HIBRARY OF CONGRESS. I 



H'«P i°PU"9M to 

t DNITED STATES OP AMERICA, f 



LIFE AND TIMES 



OF 



James B. Taylor. 



BY .'.A'^ 

GEOEGE BiCTAYLOR. 



WITH 



AI^-JJ^ T"B ' '' D U O T I O ]Sr 
* J. B. JE^ER, D.D. 







\^l 



PHILADELPHIA :\ V^ 
THE BIBLE AND PUBLICATION SOCIETY, 

No. 530 ARCH STREET. 



y^7 ^ 



T3^ T3 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by 

THE BIBLE AND PUBLICATION SOCIETY, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 




Westcott & Thomsok, 
Stereotypers and Elecirotypers, Philadou 



INTRODUCTION. 



It is stated by booksellers that in the present age biogra- 
phies are overlooked and neglected. Well-written lives of 
great, good, and distinguished men encumber the shelves of 
publishers, while works of fiction, and indeed most other kinds 
of books, find a ready sale. If this statement is true — as 
doubtless it is — the fact is unfortunate for the age. History, 
it is said, is philosophy teaching by example. If this saying is 
true of history, it is specially true of biography. This presents, 
in a clear light, the results of the various principal motives 
and influences which give impulse to human life and guide its 
course. We are taught the value of this species of composition 
by the Bible. It is composed largely of the biographies, not 
formal and full, but fragmentary and graphic, both of good 
and of bad men. The four evangelists have furnished us 
biographies of the most wonderful Being whose dwelling has 
been on earth, and in a style of inimitable simplicity, faithful- 
ness, and beauty. It would not be possible for didactic writing, 
however wise and authoritative, to impart such a charm and 
power to holiness as it has in the simple biography of Jesus 
of Nazareth. If the world has lost its taste for biography, 
this fact is a sad proof that its taste is vitiated, and the friends 
of a healthful literature should labor to correct the evil. 

The life of the humblest and most obscure man, if it were 
plainly and faithfully written, would furnish many valuable 

3 



4 INTRODUCTION. 

lessons for mankind. To a large extent, the thoughts, affec- 
tions, passions, conflicts, hopes, sorrows, and enjoyments of 
one man are common to humanity. But the biography of 
every man need not and cannot be written. If the lives of all 
men were composed, then indeed " the world itself could not 
contain the books that should be written." It is not even 
proper that the biography of every good and useful man should 
be recorded. Many persons of great excellence and talents 
pass their lives in quietness and obscurity, and do not leave 
behind them materials for composing their biographies. The 
biographer, then, must select from the multitude of dwellers on 
earth those whose sayings and doings are worthy of record. 

The life of the late James B. Taylor, D.D., is worthy of 
preservation. He set a lovely example before the world. He 
furnished a remarkable instance of what, under the lack of 
early educational advantages, may be accomplished by a good 
intellect, governed by religious principle, and diligently, through 
life, directing its energies to the dissemination of divine truth 
and the promotion of the kingdom of Christ. Few men of the 
present day have been more useful by their direct influence 
than was James B. Taylor. Every work to which he put his 
hand prospered. The churches under his pastoral charge 
were built up and established. In every agency in which he 
was employed he was successful. For more than forty-five 
years he was immediately connected with every general scheme 
and effort to promote the interests of the Baptist churches in 
Virginia. His brains, his hands, his time, his resources, and 
his influence were all laid on the altar of Christ. He had a 
large-hearted zeal in his Master's cause — a zeal confined by no 
sectional limits and restrained by no denominational bounds. 
He labored for the glory of Christ, but not exclusively in the 
South. He was from education and deep conviction a Baptist, 



INTROBUCTION. 5 

but he was a lover of good men, and rejoiced in the spread and 
triumph of divine truth by any and every agency. His life 
is inseparable from the history of the Southern Baptist Con- 
vention, and the one cannot be written without, to a large ex- 
tent, recording the other. 

Taylor left ample materials for the preparation of his life. 
The difficulty is not in finding, but in selecting them. His 
diary, his letters, the archives of the Foreign Mission Board, 
the columns of the Religious Herald, of the Some and Foreign 
Journal, and of other periodicals, together with the reminis- 
cences of his friends, afford valuable stores of information 
concerning his labors, conflicts, and usefulness in every period 
of his Christian life. The scenes through which he passed 
were not thrilling, but interesting ; his labors were not brilliant, 
but useful ; and the record of his life is not amusing, but in- 
structive and profitable. 

The father of Dr. Taylor was a sensible, discreet, pious, and 
estimable man, who died in a ripe old age. The son furnished 
a beautiful and correct sketch of the life and character of the 
father, which was published and read with deep interest. This 
tribute of filial respect elicited from Dr. E. Kingsford, who 
had been for a short time the pastor of both the father and the 
son, a very hearty commendation, in which he expressed the 
wish that Dr. Taylor, when he should die, might have a son 
who could do such justice to his memory as he had done to 
the name of his father. That wish has been fulfilled. Kev. 
George B. Taylor is eminently fitted by his learning, his good 
taste, his reputation as an author, his intimate knowledge of 
his father, and his filial reverence, to write his biography. 
Due allowance, of course, will have to be made for the intimate 
relation which the writer sustains to the venerable subject of 
his memoir, and it must be remembered that delicacy may re- 
l» 



6 INTRODUCTION. 

strain him from saying, or affection may prompt him to record, 
"what another might feel free to express or to conceal. 

I have read a large part of the biography with great interest 
and pleasure. I do not suppose that it can afford the general 
reader such delight as it has yielded me. Much of it relates 
to events and scenes which, after the lapse of many years, 
were brought vividly to my mind. In reading it I seemed to 
be living over my life. Forgotten names and occurrences, 
with their pleasing associations, were revived in my memory, 
and fountains of emotion long since sealed were freshly 
opened in my heart. But while others cannot read the work 
with the interest and feeling with which it inspired me, all 
will find it a fresh, truthful, and well-written life of a noble, 
upright, earnest man, whose steps showed the path to heaven, 
and from whose usefulness no deductions had to be made for 
indiscretions, and whose character was marred by no eccen- 
tricities or shortcomings ; and none can read it with due con- 
sideration without profit. It can but impress the thoughtful 
mind with the truth, beauty, and excellence of Christianity. 

J. B. Jeter, 

EiCHMOND, May 22, 1872. 



Life and Times of James B. Taylor. 



CHAPTEE I. 

THE Humber, in the north-eastern part of England, is a 
short but broad and deep stream, resembling in these re- 
spects the York river in Virginia. Once it was distinguished 
for its vast inundations, by which large tracts of country were 
submerged, and romantic were the scenes which sometimes 
occurred. On one of these is based Miss Martineau's most 
charming tale, " Settlers at Home." 

The river empties into the North Sea, and near its mouth 
has something of the grandeur of the ocean itself. At this 
point on the northern bank, in Yorkshire, is Hull, remark- 
able for its large docks and extensive trade with the ports of 
the Baltic ; while on the southern bank, just opposite, in Lin- 
colnshire, is the ancient and pleasant village of Barton, con- 
taining the second oldest church in England, and with 
Thornton Abbey, of the twelfth century, in its immediate 
vicinity. 

In this village, generally spoken of as Barton-upon-Humber 
(to distinguish it from Barton-upon-Irwell in Lancashire), 
the subject of this memoir was born March 19, 1804, and 
the humble but rather picturesque cottage in which he first 
drew his breath still stands, with its well of water in the yard. 
It was in Barton, too, that his grandparents, on his father's 
side, long lived, and that his father, George Taylor, grew up, 
served his apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker, and commenced 
business for himself. Here George Taylor married Chrisanna 

7 



8 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

Barnett of the vicinity, and James Barnett Taylor was 
their first-born child and their only son. The father, as will 
be seen, was not yet a Christian, though his parents were de- 
vout Baptists, and as such suffered persecution and came near 
being ejected from their dwelling, at the instance of the par- 
son, because they had used it for a conventicle. The mother 
also was entirely ignorant of experimental religion. She was, 
however, a devoted member of the Church of England, who 
would not for the world that her babe should die unbaptized. 
Accordingly, to gratify her, James was duly christened. 

Running nearly to Barton, and stretching away for miles, are 
the lands of Lord Yarborough, constituting one of the largest 
estates in England. On this estate George Taylor was occa- 
sionally employed, and it was his delight to roam over those 
fields and wander in those grand forests. In his old age, he 
was wont to tell with enthusiasm to his grandchildren how he 
had been accustomed to walk out into the country with the 
breaking of the day, book in hand, and how, when the lark 
sprang up singing in its flight, he would throw himself upon 
his back and follow it with his eye till it was lost in the blue 
ether, and still listen eagerly to catch the distant strains of the 
invisible songster. 

This seems a fitting place to refer somewhat particularly to 
the traits of the parents, since in these traits lay enfolded the 
subsequent achievements of the son. 

George Taylor, mechanic though he was, had an insatiable 
thirst for knowledge and was passionately fond of books. In 
fact, he loved them too much, and through life was in danger 
of poring over some history, reveling in the creations of 
Milton, or declaiming passages from Shakespeare when either 
his shop or his accounts needed his attention. While he was - 
on the one hand by no means indolent, he was on the other 
singularly unworldly, as simple-hearted and guileless as a 
child, quite innocent of any feverish ambition, and amply con- 
tent if, with a favorite poet for a companion, he might at early 
morn stroll into the quiet country, or during the long winter 
evening read some author with the aid of a lightwood torch 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 9 

when the luxury of candles could not be enjoyed. It is easy 
to see that from him the son derived some of those traits for 
which he is now affectionately remembered by thousands ; 
while it is equally clear that with only the traits derived from 
his father he never could have become the efficient pastor and 
secretary that he was. He had, however, as every remarkable 
man has, a remarkable mother. Not deficient in more womanly 
traits, she excelled in energy, method, and administrative 
ability ; and James richly inherited from her these qualities, 
which were also, in all probability, strengthened in him by seeing 
the evils of their absence in the misfortunes of his father's life, 
and by the necessity early laid upon him of supplementing 
his father's deficiencies in this respect, and becoming himself 
manager of his father's fiscal concerns. It is also not impossi- 
ble that even through his father's family, though not from his 
father, he may have inherited some of the elements of his ex- 
cellent business character. Traits do sometimes thus leap over 
a generation. It is certain that Barsabas Taylor, a brother of 
George Taylor, was one of the most successful men in the city 
of Nottingham. 

So far, reference has been made merely to the original traits 
of the parents. What they subsequently became by the grace 
of God, will appear in the course of this narrative. 

* In the year 1805, George Taylor, then in his twenty-seventh 
year, emigrated to America. Although he had received a 
religious education, yet in early life he had imbibed skeptical 
sentiments, and hesitated not to avow himself an unbeliever in 
the evangelical records. Having traveled extensively in Eng- 
land after leaving the paternal roof, and having mingled freely 
with the opposers of religion, and read the works of Paine, 
Voltaire, Hume, and other deistical authors, he had become 
exceedingly hostile to the gospel system. What had served to 
increase the tendency of his mind to infidelity was the sym- 
pathy he cherished for republican institutions in opposition to 
monarchy and national religious establishments. The radical 

* This paragraph, with some others referring to George Taylor, is sub- 
stantially from a sketch of him by the subject of this memoir. 



10 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

sentiments which resulted in the overthrow of the French 
government, and which were becoming at that period widely 
prevalent in England, had been drunk in by him with avidity. 
This, together with the influence of a young man who had 
been intimate with him, and who, having come to America, had 
written back flattering accounts, had led him to the purpose 
of expatriating himself and seeking a resting-place in the New 
World, of which he indulged the most glowing conceptions as 
the home of the free. This purpose he had attempted to carry 
into execution even before his marriage, going to Liverpool 
with a view to embarkation, but he could not tear himself 
from her upon whom his afiections were centred and to whom 
his faith was plighted. After their marriage, however, he se- 
cured her consent to emigrate, and having bid farewell to 
parents and a large circle of friends, they, with the subject of 
this memoir, then an infant a year old, left their mother- 
country to identify themselves with the fortunes of America. 
It may be added here that although his extreme views in 
favor of French liberalism were greatly modified, and although 
he ever retained a warm affection for the land of his nativity, 
he never regretted his emigration to the United States. 

To many, doubtless, it seemed little short of madness thus 
to surrender a certain and comfortable subsistence and to 
tempt the treacherous ocean and the Western wilds, while the 
mother's heart feared even more the spiritual perils which her 
son would encounter. At the last moment she thrust a copy 
of Doddridge's " Rise and Progress " into his pocket, but her 
tongue refused to say farewell. But the painful leavetaking 
had been accomplished, and the party had set sail and had 
been several days at sea, when an event occurred which seemed 
likely to put a stop to the enterprise almost in its inception, 
and give quite a new direction to the life of the emigrant. 

At this period war was in progress between France and 
England, and the navy of the latter was at the zenith of its 
glorious achievements. This, however, only made its need of 
men the greater, and consequently the impressment of English 
citizens, wherever found, for the naval service, was as common 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 11 

as it was dreaded. The sight of the hated press-gang, or even 
the cry that it was coming, struck the heart with an indefina- 
ble but exquisite terror. 

No little consternation, therefore, was excited when a British 
man-ol-war hove in sight and bore right down upon the Amer- 
ica-bound vessel which contained the party whose fortunes we 
are tracing. Several Englishmen besides George Taylor were 
on board. They all, with one consent, ignominiously hid 
themselves. This he scorned to do, but stood his ground and 
waited to see what course things would take. He did not have 
to wait long. The vessel was boarded, and he was pressed into 
the British service, and, with his wife and child, was taken 
on board the man-of-war. His wife was almost helpless from 
sea-sickness, and it must have been a pitiful sight as she was 
half carried by the rough sailors, while he bore the infant in 
his arms. How much were matters complicated, and what 
strange feelings must have been excited in his heart, when, in 
the course of the transfer to the ship, his sick wife fell into the 
ocean ! She was, however, rescued without serious harm, and 
in a few moments the merchant-vessel and the man-of-war 
parted company, the latter bearing our emigrants they knew 
not whither. Few things in romance have more of the ro- 
mantic than this sudden forced change of destination on mid- 
ocean. It is a theory of sailors that a plunge into salt water is 
a sovereign remedy for sea-sickness. It did not prove so in 
this case, and the poor wife continued ill and helpless. To 
nurse her and care for the child absorbed all the time 
and energies of the recruit, who, it soon appeared, was not 
likely to be of much use to His Majesty George the Third ; and 
those having command began rather to regret the imprison- 
ment. They, however, could not help themselves, and more- 
over they must have pitied the poor fellow whom they had 
overhauled so unceremoniously, when they saw him nursing his 
sick wife and performing the mother's part for his little babe, 
nor could they blame him for being so unavailable, provoking 
as it must have been. Perhaps this disclosed to him a ray of 
hope. At all events, in a few days relief came in the shape of 



12 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

another America-bound craft, on which our trio were hustled 
with quite as much haste as they had been previously seized ; 
while there is no doubt that they resumed their voyage with new 
heartiness, feeling quite willing, after such deliverance, to meet 
uncomplainingly all the trials which the tedious passage might 
involve. It was well if they did feel so, for weary weeks were 
yet to elapse before they should again set foot on solid land. 



CHAPTER II. 

BUT the troubles of our Emigrants at sea were quite 
equaled by those which met them when they neared the 
land. They had left war, and now pestilence was awaiting 
them. Arriving at the city of New York, they found the 
yellow fever raging. Their vessel was quarantined, though 
one might have supposed that a city already plague-stricken 
would hardly think such caution worth while. However, after 
wearisome waiting, they were permitted to land. Horrible 
were the scenes which they witnessed, sickening their hearts at 
the time, and making an ineffaceable impression upon their 
minds. Thousands of families, smitten with terror, moved 
from the infected district to the woods and fields, while a par- 
alysis was upon every business but that of the undertaker, 
and even his duties were performed with that haste and want 
of solemnity peculiar to a period of epidemic. The young emi- 
grant had no lack of work, for it was in his line to make 
coffins, and coffins were in demand, though not all who died 
were honored with such sepulture. His daily walk to and from 
the shop took him by the " Potter's Field," where the hideous 
sight presented itself of huge pits into which the dead were 
hastily thrown, and covered with a little earth till another load 
should arrive ; while day and night the wagons came and went 
on their melancholy errand. 

All this surely was bad enough, but it was not the worst. 
One morning the fever seized him, and as he started home he 
heard the other workmen say, " He will never come back." On 
reaching home he took a hot bath, then got into bed and cov- 
ered himself with blankets. The symptoms gave ocular evi- 
dence of the dread nature of his malady. But the treatment 
he had adopted worked like a charm, for the next morning he 
arose convalescent, though reduced and weakened as if by a 



14 LIFE AND TLMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

long spell of illness. He ever afterward believed that the 
course he pursued saved his life. 

A dismal greeting this which the New Word gave him who 
had anticipated it as fondly as ever Ponce de Leon did the foun- 
tain of eternal youth ! In this young, fresh land, grim Death, 
it seemed, reigned despotic, as in the old country from which 
he had fled. Well, this would«at least lead him from infidelity 
to Christianity ? No, such is not usually the case. Epidemics 
harden rather than soften the heart ; scenes of horror are unfa- 
vorable to the conversion of the soul to God ; and accordingly 
he continued to seek, and for a season enjoy, society congenial 
to his taste as a skeptic. His boon companion was still the 
young man already referred to, and he drank deep draughts 
of infidelity, perhaps deriving from these sources a poor relief 
in the midst of the depressing sights which surrounded him. 
He soon found, however, that the system which he had em- 
braced, and which he had supposed would deliver him from 
the thraldom of priestcraft, was about to introduce him into a 
servitude still more galling. Hitherto, his life had been strictly 
regular, but he now learned that infidelity of heart and impu- 
rity of life were likely to go hand in hand, and found that he 
himself was already standing upon the brink of a vortex from 
which he shrunk with horror. To plunge into the excesses of 
immorality he neither dared nor desired, and he resolved to 
abandon the companionship in which he had indulged. One 
Sunday morning his infidel associate came by for him as usual, 
and was no little surprised when he learned the state of the 
case. Henceforth, Mr. Taylor's leisure hours were devoted to 
his family and to reading. The Lord's day, which he had 
spent with his skeptical friends, was now 'differently enfployed. 
For months he avoided all society save that which was afforded 
by the home-circle. He was, however, far from being happy. 
Having cut himself loose from the moorings of scriptural truth, 
he was driven about upon the waves of uncertainty, without 
God and without hope. In this condition of mind he care- 
fully avoided public worship, being afraid to come in contact 
with gospel influence. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. - 15 

But the time of God's merciful interposition at length ar- 
rived. One Sunday, having spent a part of the day in reading, 
he took his little boy by the hand and sauntered forth for an 
hour's walk. They had not wandered far, before, passing by 
a place of worship, the child, attracted by the songs of praise 
within, besought him with restless importunity to enter. He 
consented, and took a seat near the door. The preacher an- 
nounced his text and commenced a sermon which immediately 
arrested the attention of this casual caller. Sentiments which 
he had been accustomed to hear in his childhood were pre- 
sented, and deeply affected his heart. A new train of thought 
was started, and visions of former days were recalled. His 
life was reviewed and he resolved to change his course. The 
next Sunday he sought with his boy the same spot, and heard 
the gospel as he had never before heard it. He became a reg- 
ular attendant, and soon found peace in believing in the once- 
despised Jesus of Nazareth. Here, in the First Baptist Church, 
then worshiping in Gold street, he found a spiritual home. 
He and his wife were baptized in 1807 by Rev. William Par- 
kinson, who was then and for years after the pastor of the 
First Church. 

Thus he whose life we are to trace, and who subsequently led 
so many to Christ, was even in his earliest childhood the un- 
conscious instrument in God's hands of the conversion of his 
own parents. Well did they repay the benefit. Henceforth, 
to ordinary parental care they added Christain training. 
Family worship was promptly commenced, and was ever after- 
ward maintained. 

Two other incidents may be mentioned of his very early 
childhood, as illustrating the providential care over one who 
was predestined for usefulness. On one occasion he was lost 
in the streets ; he was too young to tell where he lived, and 
after hours of anxiety his father found him about dark at 
some place where lost children were taken, quietly eating his 
supper with several other little ones in the same condition. 
An old gentleman, who was a neighbor and had taken great 
fancy to him, thereafter was at much pains to teach him to tell 



16 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

where he lived, in case he should be lost agaio. On another 
occasion he was run over, the horse's foot trampling his gar- 
ment and leaving a mark upon it, but he himself was unhurt. 
Not vpry much more is known of the childhood of the sub- 
ject of this memoir, but the little that is known is significant, 
and closely connects itself with his matured character and his 
life-work. His parents were poor, and struggling with all the 
difficulties which new settlers must encounter. Besides, times 
were hard and unpropitious. Specially during and soon aftei 
the war of 1812, work was scarce, and the means of support 
were precarious, and his mother, though energetic in spirit, was 
delicate in health and often an invalid, so that upon James 
was often devolved the care both of her and of the younger 
children. It was a necessity imposed upon him in the provi- 
dence of God which he could not evade, but his filial love also 
prompted him cheerfully and patiently to do and bear all that 
was required. It is not difficult to believe that in that humble 
home and in that sick chamber there was laid the foundation 
of much that was most lovable and useful in his character — 
that then and there were fostered that womanly tenderness of 
spirit and gentleness of manner which through life character- 
ized him — that this early yoke-bearing, which inspired wisdom 
declares to be good, mellowed and purified him, and largely 
prepared him for the discharge of those public trusts which 
were subsequently committed to him. He himself took some 
such view of these early trials. In a letter written to his 
parents when he was at the height of his labors and useful- 
ness, he says : " Yes, my dear father and mother, I believe I 
owe, so far as instruments are concerned, my present elevation 
to you. You have both been made to drink the bitter cup of 
affliction, and often perhaps you have been ready to give way 
to despondency, and to conclude that all waS' against you ; but 
you know not how far these disappointments may have con- 
tributed to the temporal and eternal good of your children. I 
am sure, when all the poverty and trials to which you were ex- 
posed are reviewed by me, for myself I should be unwilling to 
have them altered had I to retrace my steps." In perhaps 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 17 

the last letter that he ever wrote with his own hand, referring 
to the mercies which had crowned his whole life, he said : " In 
childhood and youth I was favored perhaps as much in being 
required 'to bear the yoke' as in anything else." 

Parents may surely find a lesson here. It is indeed a matter 
of thankfulness when we are able to supply our children wuth 
whatever may be for their comfort, and to know that their 
early years are unmarred by care ; but it should console us, 
when this cannot be and we are compelled to see them en- 
during hardships, to remember that all this may be for their 
usefulness and happiness in after life. From this point of 
view the troubles of our Southern land are not to be regarded 
with unmixed regret. But even when poverty does not neces- 
sitate labor and self-denial on the part of children, it is never- 
theless well to cultivate in them, from the earliest period, the 
habit and the spirit of serving, to make them "ministering 
children," and so imitators of "the Son of man, who came not 
to be ministered unto, but to minister." When the child is re- 
quired to lay aside a pleasing story or forego a fascinating 
game, in order to wait upon a sick mother or care for a 
younger brother or sister, the self-denial and service may be worth 
far more, and be far more promotive of real happiness, even at 
the time, and certainly will be in the long run, than any 
amount of self-indulgence could be. 

But while called on to endure the hardships to which refer- 
ence has been made, my father was not without much to make 
his childhood happy, nor entirely destitute of what are gener- 
ally and justly esteemed advantages. The literary tastes of his 
father have been already mentioned. It may be added that 
he was singularly artless and genial in his disposition, very in- 
teresting and instructive in conversation, and extremely fond 
of the society of the young. It was his habit to make his son 
the companion of his morning walks, and together they would 
stroll, often book in hand, to the Battery, and anon to locali- 
ties now indeed occupied by blocks of massive buildings, but 
which were then fields and forests trodden only by occasional 
pedestrians like themselves. Even at this early period it is be- 
2* B 



18 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

lieved that the youth stored his memory with passages of didac- 
tic poetry, which both formed his taste and were to him for 
a permanent possession, while the memory of those walks and 
communings was a joy to him as long as he lived. Despite 
its trials, his was a happy as well as a useful childhood. 

Besides all this, for a limited time he enjoyed good educa- 
tional advantages, being sent to a teacher who was then famous 
in New York, and who must have been not only competent, 
but faithful and strict even to a fault. At this school he made 
good use of his opportunities, acquiring the elements of an 
English education, learning to write a fair hand, and gaining 
some knowledge of spelling and arithmetic. 

His father, genial and gentle as he was, was at the same 
time a very strict disciplinarian, and ready to enforce authority 
in a way that in this time and country is but little practiced. 
On one occasion the son returned from school complaining of 
punishment which he had received from his teacher, and ask- 
ing for redress. " I will not do anything this time," was the 
father's reply, " but if you are punished again let me know, 
and I will repeat the correction myself." No more complaints 
were ever made, and it was not till long after that the father 
learned that his son had again come under the rod of the stern 
old master. He always regarded these punishments as unjust. 
He was of a timid disposition, and, overawed by the teacher's 
manner, was not able to express what he knew. He, however, 
received honors as well as punishment at his hands, a prize 
volume which was awarded him being still in existence. 

Another incident the father was wont to tell, not without 
satisfaction. On one occasion he carried his son, while yet a 
little child, to the house of God, but was compelled by his 
noise and restlessness to take him out, greatly to his own 
chagrin and disappointment. Promptly upon reaching home 
he inflicted suitable chastisement, and the result was that the 
misconduct was never repeated. 

A great advantage enjoyed by my father in his childhood 
was that of attending an excellent Sunday-school. This was 
then a rare institution. There was no school connected with 



LIFE AXD TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 19 

his father's church,'^ and he became identified with one at the 
old John Street Methodist church. It doubtless lacked many 
modern appliances and methods, but, after all, nothing is really 
essential to a very useful Sunday-school but scholars, earnest 
teachers, and the Bible as a text-book. Here he learned " by 
heart " large portions of Scripture, to which he was, to a con- 
siderable extent, indebted for the facility and accuracy with 
which in after years he could quote from the sacred volume. 
He also committed to memory, and recited at an exhibition, 
Pope's " Messias." I cannot speak more in detail as to the in- 
fluence of this school upon my father's religious history, but I 
am sure that it was considerable and salutary. He often re- 
ferred to it with affectionate reverence as a sort of alma mater, 
and in after life, when revisiting New York, he took occasion 
to repair to it, introduced himself, and addressed, in earnest 
language, its teachers and pupils. 

There was a feature of this school which was quite peculiar, 
and which, while it might not be worthy of general adoption, 
was exceedingly favorable to his intellectual development. It 
had a large library of standard works of literary and scientific 
character, and of these he was a constant and appreciative 
reader. Prominent among the volumes to which in early life 
he became attached was the " Spectator." Not long before his 
death he bade one of his grandchildren read to him from this 
book, saying to her that, when he was a child, that was the 
sort of books he read for amusement, not having such stories 
as are now so liberally fiirnished for the young. Not only 
books, but the streets and wharves of the great city, furnished 
abundant material to develop his boyish mind. It was during 
these years that the war with England occurred ; the city was 
also the scene of a great fire ; experiments in lighting the Park 
with gas were being made, and Fulton was pushing his steam- 
navigation in the waters around, — all of which, and much more^ 
must have been both interesting and improving. 

He had, too, his own adventures. One of these came near 

♦Indeed, it was only about this time that Sunday-schools began to be 
conducted by churches. 



20 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

being a serious affair. Persuaded by some older boys, he 
accompanied them in a sail-boat, expecting to return in an 
hour or two. They were overtaken by a gale, carried some dis- 
tance, and wrecked. A farmer saw their condition, aided in 
their rescue, kindly entertained them for the night, and the 
next day took them back to the city overland. The impression 
made upon the boy's mind by the kindness of the family and 
the exquisite neatness and comfort of the farmhouse he always 
retained. 

In his thirteenth year he became the subject of religious im- 
pressions. Several of his young companions had at the same 
time similar feelings. One of them was only nine years old. 
They were accustomed to hold prayer-meetings at each other's 
houses. The whole party went, James acting as their leader 
and spokesman, to seek instruction and advice of Elder Wil- 
liam Parkinson, the pastor of the First Baptist Church. It 
was possibly a somewhat novel experience for the minister, for, 
though his church had enjoyed a revival continuing for six 
years, the conversion of very young persons was then far less 
common than now. But no one ever knew better how to re- 
ceive any applicant with affable kindness and faithfully to 
direct the religious inquirer. The result of this interview was 
that James B. Taylor was soon thereafter baptized into the fel- 
lowship of the First Baptist Church. Nothing is known of the 
exercises of his mind at this time, but that the w^ork of grace 
was genuine and deep may be inferred from the influences 
under which he had been reared, and still more from his sub- 
sequent spirit and course of life. 

The following interesting reminiscence is from the pen of 
Dr. J. J. Graves of Baltimore, the father of Rev. R. H. Graves, 
missionary to China. The apparent discrepancy between its 
statement and the foregoing is easily reconciled. The visit to 
Elder Parkinson succeeded the instructions of the venerable 
Deacon Graves. Such a linking together of the grandsire and 
the grandson, by means of one who was for so many years en- 
tirely removed from the family, is certainly a striking coinci- 
dence, and suggests valuable lessons ; 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 21 

Under Dr. Parkinson's preaching your father received his first serious 
religious impressions, and these became so deep and ever-present that he 
longed for some experienced Christian to whom he could in confidence 
open his heart and take comforting counsel. He was a stranger to all ; 
he first thought of conversing with the pastor, but his feelings toward Dr. 
P. amounted almost to awe, and in his boyish reserve he could not gather 
courage enough to approach him. In casting about for one that he might 
take counsel with, after a severe conflict with that diffidence that was 
somewhat a marked characteristic even in his old age, he finally selected 
ray father, who was then a deacon of the church, and to him he told his 
convictions, and besought his advice. My father was a man of long 
Christian experience, of careful judgment, but of few words. The result 
in the end was, that your father, upon a relation of his experience before 
the church, after the old Baptist practice, was baptized, and thus became 
the very youngest member of the brotherhood 

Upon my son's departure for China, April, 1856, your father accompa- 
nied him to New York, and attended him with fatherly care and advice 
up to the moment of his sailing, and expressed more than usual official 
pleasure and personal interest in sending forth the grandson of Deacon 
Graves to proclaim the gospel of Christ to the idolatrous heathen of the 
"landof Sinim." .... 

When your grandfather removed to Virginia, your father, yet a boy, 
in his gratitude pressed upon us a pet bird as a parting gift. As a me- 
morial he had nothing else to give, and in this simple act the boy showed 
in advance the afiectionate and self-denying man. 

I recollect him as a bright, gentle, cheerful youth, whose whole nature 
was written, with added Christian graces, upon his ever-pleasant face. 



CHAPTER III. 

IN the year 1817, when the subject of this memoir was in his 
fourteenth year, his father removed to Virginia, and, after a 
brief sojourn in Petersburg, settled in the county of Mecklen- 
burg. The voyage to Petersburg was accomplished in a sailing- 
vessel, and the journey from Petersburg to Mecklenburg in a 
road-wagon. He now made his home about a mile from 
Christiansville, which, though a village of but three or four 
houses, was, curiously enough, called " the city." Not far dis- 
tant was the meeting-house of the Blue Stone Baptist church, 
otherwise known as Bethel, with which the family promptly 
connected themselves. The son now became still more inti- 
mately associated with his father by joining him in the shop, 
regularly to learn the trade of a cabinetmaker. He must 
have applied himself to it, and possessed at least a fair me- 
chanical talent, as in a comparatively short period he mastered 
the business. Several handsome pieces of furniture, made by 
his hands, still attest his skill. 

It was a kind Providence that brought this family, from its 
distant home over the sea, to just this neighborhood, for per- 
haps the sun does not shine upon a more moral, pious, and 
loving community than that into which it was now introduced. 
A cordial welcome was extended to them, and they soon formed 
friendships which lasted through life, and which will be re- 
newed — some of them are doubtless already renewed — in the 
heavenly world. My grandparents and my father always 
spoke affectionately of this as " the old neighborhood." 

Nor were these people possessed merely of social and Chris- 
tian virtues ; they were well-to-do and enjoyed abundantly the 
substantial comforts of life. Hanover itself could not excel 
their watermelons, nor the old North State their sweet potatoes, 

22 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 23 

while tobacco was of course their staple and put money into 
their pockets. My father's first acquaintance with Richmond 
was made in a trip which he took with some young planters of 
the neighborhood, carrying their tobacco to market in the way 
then common, " the cask containing it being actually rolled to 
market on its own periphery through mud and stream." 

No doubt he enjoyed the trip, but how little did he dream, as 
he looked upon Richmond for the first time, that he would 
spend nearly half a century of his life in that city, and that 
at its close his remains would rest in the beautiful grove over- 
looking the island-studded James. 

It is a little curious to compare the actual state of the family 
in Mecklenburg with that pictured by their English relatives, 
who thought of them as " buried in the wood," without the 
comforts of life or the preached gospel, and wrote almost 
piteously urging their return to merry England, and to that 
end offering help, if help was wanted to effect this. 

In this connection it may be specially interesting to read ex- 
tracts from a letter written by my father in 1847, when revis- 
iting these scenes of his youth. They show the regard in 
which he was held by that people, and give a pleasing glimpse 
of his youthful days : 

" I mentioned seeing several old friends who manifested much 
pleasure at seeing me. You may be assured that peculiar feel- 
ings possessed my soul as I passed from place to place, having 
a thousand scenes of early youth brought distinctly before me. 
The woods where I hunted when a boy, the fields over which 
again and again I wandered, the very paths I used to tread, all 
seemed as they were twenty-five years ago. But few changes 
in the appearance of the natural world have taken place. 
Even the old walnut tree from which nuts were gathered by 
me for a succession of winters stands as fresh and familiar as 
ever. In imagination, as these old familiar objects greeted my 
eye, I seemed to live my childhood o'er again. Some changes, 
however, I found had taken place. The old house in which 
my father lived has been removed about a mile distant, and 
when I looked upon it I scarcely recognized it, the portico 



24 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

having been torn away. The chimney stands on the old site, 
the only remaining vestige of a dwelling-place of man. The 
smaller buildings are all gone ; the kitchen, the shop, all are 
gone. How many pleasant hours did I spend at this spot ! 
Here, retired from the noise and strife of men, I held com- 
munion with Nature and with Nature's God. Here, with eager 
delight, I pored over some of the best works of our language, 
thirsting for knowledge as the weary traveler thirsts for the 
cool stream. I was not indeed without society. In full view 
of our house were several families with whom an endeared in- 
timacy was kept up. You may be sure I was desirous of visit- 
ing those families again. I sat at the very same tables, sat in 
the same parlors where, with those I loved, a happy intercourse 
was enjoyed more than twenty-five years ago. The same 
chambers in which I then slept were occupied by me again. 
In these dwellings, however, affecting changes have occurred. 
Nearly all the old people have passed away, while their chil- 
dren have married, and many of them moved to different parts 
of the country. 

" The most interesting p^t of my visit has been the revival of 
associations of a religious character. One of my old friends 
was with me all Monday, riding with me from place to place. 
At times, passing along the road, he would become so much af- 
fected as to be unable to speak, tears rolling down his cheeks. 
Pointing to a thicket of pines, he said, 'Do you remember 
that spot ? There we met one evening by appointment, when I 
was distressed about my spiritual condition.' Again he said, 
' I remember the first time you spoke in public, and some of 
the words you uttered that evening I shall never forget.' 
At old Bethel meeting-house I stood in the same pulpit in 
which I first attempted to preach Jesus and the resurrection. 
The house, the grove, the road, all remain unchanged, but how 
different with respect to the congregation ! A new generation 
has risen up. Here and there in the assembly I recognized a 
familiar face, but for the most part they were a strange people 
to me. The children of many old friends, however, came to 
me and made themselves known." 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 25 

In the year 1820, at the early age of sixteen, my father com- 
menced to exercise his gifts by speaking in public for Christ. 
He seems even then to have been animated by that aggressive 
spirit which, despite his quiet manner, really characterized him 
all his life. He would, after a day of toil, walk six miles to 
Buffalo meeting-house to conduct a meeting, and more fre- 
quently a lesser distance to hold a neighborhood prayer-meeting 
in some private dwelling. An old lady residing in the vicinity 
remembers his appearance, as, attired in very plain but perfectly 
neat clothing, including a snowy collar and a black ribbon, he 
would start with cheerful alacrity to fill these appointments. 

Preparing to be a teacher of divine things, he was not in- 
sensible of his own deficiency, and earnestly sought to supply 
it by spending all his spare hours in reading. A kind friend 
offered him the use of his library, and many weary miles did 
he trudge, though they did not seem weary to him, to procure 
the desired volumes and return them after they had been care- 
fully perused. 

In the neighborhood there resided a highly-cultivated gen- 
tleman. Dr. Bartholomew Egan, for some years, and till com- 
paratively recently, president of Mt. Lebanon University, 
Louisiana, the principal o"^ the academy at Christiansville. 
He was specially accompiisued as a linguist, and had been a 
Catholic, but subsequently became a devoted Baptist. He and 
the elder Taylor became intimate, and loved to " sit the even- 
ing " together discussing all sorts of questions. With him an 
arrangement was made to superintend the youth's studies and 
to give him lessons, for which purpose the latter would repair 
to his house at night and on Saturday. Mrs. Egan was a 
woman of lovely character. Betw^een her and the youth there 
sprang up a strong mutual attachment. She wrote a hand like 
copper-plate, and used to set him copies and encouraged him 
to improve in his chirography. To this was probably largely 
due the neat and legible hand which he ever afterward wrote 
and the great facility with which he used the pen. 

Says Dr. Poindexter in his memorial sermon, "I met in 
Mississippi Dr. Egan, who told me that, residing at the time 
3 



26 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

in Mecklenburg, and becoming aware of the earnest efforts of 
young James at self-improvement, he gratuitously gave him 
instruction in grammar and perhaps some other studies. He 
spoke affectionately of the amiability, earnestness, and rapid 
progress of his pupil. In passing through Mecklenburg I 
often heard reference to the youth and early ministry of our 
brother. He was always spoken of with affection, as a quiet, 
earnest, industrious, pious youth, and a most devoted Christian 
and minister. The old people seemed to love him as a son, the 
middle-aged and the young as a brother." As showing his am- 
bition to do well whatever he did, and his dogged purpose not 
to be satisfied with mediocrity, the following words are quoted 
from one of his letters of a somewhat later date, addressed to 
a young friend whom he felt he might freely advise : " You 
must not be displeased when I say I fear you give way to 
indolence and indecision of character in regard to your 
studies. Permit me to say that, placed in your situation, 
I would sit up by firelight and give myself no rest until I had 
learned to spell with some accuracy. It is no hard thing to 
accomplish. It only needs determination and spirit, with in- 
dustrious and untiring application. Many with but little bet- 
ter means of information than you have had have rendered 
themselves useful and honorable members of society." 

Although no writings of his of this period are now in exist- 
ence, yet the fact that somewhat latfer he speaks of destroying 
a large number of his juvenile productions would indicate 
that he had already commenced to use his pen. It seems to 
have been his habit through life not only to make memoranda 
of facts and events, but also to commit to paper, with more or 
less fullness, the thoughts and feelings which burned within 
him. 

Among the circumstances connected with his entrance into 
the ministry, and going to shape his character as "a good 
minister of Jesus Christ," probably one of the most important 
was the character of his pastor. Elder William Richards, to 
whom he himself has paid, in the " Lives of the Virginia Bap- 
tist Ministers," an affectionate tribute. This venerable man 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 27 

was far ahead of his time in the possession of the missionary 
spirit. He cherished enlarged views in reference to the spread 
of Christ's kingdom, and trained his people to give liberally 
and pray fervently for the evangelization of the world. He 
was also accustomed to perform much labor as a home mis- 
sionary, without appointment or salary, going to and fro among 
the feeble and destitute churches of the Meherrin Association, 
building them up in their most holy faith and calling sinners 
to repentance. As a preacher he was sound, scriptural, evan- 
gelical, simple, and earnest ; while as a man and Christian he 
was prudent, humble, meek, pure in heart, and blameless in 
life. This sounds as if it were spoken of my father, and it does 
look as if the two men had been cast in the same mould, as 
they certainly were animated by the same spirit. There can 
be little doubt that the younger minister was shaped by the ex- 
ample of his pastor, and we have thus a striking and beautiful 
instance of that most important fact of human life — trans- 
mitted influence — a sort of moral metempsychosis, the repro- 
duction of a type of character. 

At an early age Mr. Taylor began to keep a diary, which he 
continued to the close of his life. It seems to have been done 
for his own satisfaction and improvement, and varied in its 
character, containing sometimes mere memoranda of his em- 
ployments, at others referring to his mental states, and anon 
incidents occurring in his history or coming under his notice, 
or reflections on passages of Scripture. 

[From his Diary.] 
1823, July 24. In reviewing the goodness of God as it relates to my 
own experience, I find abundant reason for the exercise of adoration and 
trust. That I may be more particularly reminded of my high obligation, 
arising from the circumstances of mercy in which I have been or may 
hereafter be placed, I propose to note from time to time my exercises of 
mind and the dispensations of providence and grace with which I may 
be visited. And may the Spirit of the Most High enable me to record 
with faithfulness all that appertains to my own experience and his con- 
descending mercy ! 

December 16. Business called me to a public sale, where persons of 
all descriptions were assembled. There the pernicious effects of ardent 



28 LIFE AND TIMRS OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

spirits were evidently to be seen. Vice raised its unsightly form and 
religion was openly despised. O sin! what hast thou done? With 
what feelings of gratitude should such scenes inspire me ! In the deepest 
humility and the most adoring wonder I should propose the question, 
"Who maketh thee to differ?" Why do I not plunge with headlong 
precipitancy into the commission of the grosf^st crimes, and drink in 
wickedness as the ox drinketh water? W^ere it not for the restraining 
grace of God I am sure I should be as bad as the worst, for about my 
nature there are propensities peculiarly my own. Oh that the goodness 
of God may lead me to the higher exercise of repentance and love ! 
Oh that my heart could be so completely under the influence of Bible 
principles that every grace of the Holy Spirit may flourish there, and 
all my life be an exemplification of their power! 

December 17. Oh, wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from 
the body of this death ? Although I am professedly a disciple of the 
Lord Jesus, there is a strange measure of forgetfulness and ingratitude 
cherished by me which ought to fill me with shame and penitence of 
soul. Did the Son of God condescend to be born of a woman and to be 
cradled in a manger ? Did he pass a life of privation, persecution, and 
want? Was he a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief? Let my 
mind be drawn to the contemplation of this subject. Mark the deep dis- 
tress that agitated his bosom in the garden of Gethsemane when he 
sweat, as it were, great drops of blood ! Behold him on his knees, ago- 
nizing in prayer to his Father that if it were possible the cup might pass 
from him ! In pursuing the Saviour I find him bowed down by a still 
heavier load of sufiering, heightened by a thousand aggravated circum- 
stances. I see him arraigned before the bar of Pilate, charged with 
guilt and numbered with transgressors. I see him scourged, spit upon, 
and buffeted. I see him crowned with thorns and hear him derided, 
insulted by every species of contumely. I see him at last led away to 
be crucified. Even the few followers he had have forsaken him and 
fled. His blessed hands and feet are nailed to the tree, and in anguish 
not to be conceived he gives up the ghost. And all this that I may never 
die ! Truly I ought to love him with all my heart and supremely de- 
light in his precepts. Oh that my heart, under the influence of the dying 
love of Jesus, may run out in all its powers in love to holiness ! May 
grace reign there, through righteousness unto eternal life, that I may die 
to sin, and show forth the praise of Him who hath called me from dark- 
ness into marvelous light. 

December 18. Heard two discourses to-day, and at night endeavored, 
though imperfectly, to recommend religion to the people in a short ex- 
hortation. When I consider the repeated manifestations of Divine good- 
ness in my behalf, how can I refrain from trying to promote his praise 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 29 

on the earth ? But pride, accursed pride, so mingles itself with every- 
thing I do that I am afraid I shall injure rather than benefit the cause I 
espouse. Before I rise pride attends me, whilst I am up it follows me, 
and when seated I find it still with me. When on my bended knees, 
and indeed in every duty I perform, whether public or private, this 
abominable principle rises, and often, like a rushing torrent, would seem 
to carry every vestige of correct feeling away. In thus looking at the 
frailty of my nature and the sin attending my best efibrts, I can magnify 
the name of the Lord for the provision of grace abounding through the 
obedience and mediation of his Son. Pardon can thus be dispensed 
without money and without price, for the blood of Jesus Christ his Son 
cleanseth from all sin. 
3 » 



CHAPTER IV. 

AFTER a few years spent near Christianville, George Taylor 
removed to Clarkesville, across the Roanoke River, and 
about twelve miles from " the old neighborhood ;" but this 
distance the old man and his son regularly walked to the 
monthly meeting at Bethel. Here and at Oxford, N. C, he 
resided till 1840, when he removed to the vicinity of Richmond. 
" I became acquainted with him," says Dr. Poindexter, " and 
his family, then consisting of his wife and two daughters, in 
1832. He then lived in Clarkesville, Mecklenburg. The 
village was small and without a house of worship, and but one 
other professor of religion resided there. Meetings were held 
occasionally, by ministers of several denominations, in a dilapi- 
dated warehouse on Main street, and in an academy in 
another part of the town. George Taylor and his family were 

Baptists He procured preaching by Baptist ministers 

as frequently as he could, and thus some little progress 
was made. Their house was small, but it was opened, time 
after time, for preaching, when cold weather rendered the 
place usually used for the purpose uncomfortable.* 

" After a while the old gentleman induced Rev. Wm. H. 
Jordan, then residing in Granville county. North Carolina, 
to preach regularly at Clarkesville. A church was consti- 
tuted and a house built — the first house of worship, if I am 
not mistaken, erected in Clarkesville. 

" George Taylor was a man of quiet, amiable disposition, 
with a vigorous mind thirsting for knowledge, highly intelli- 
gent, and very interesting in conversation. His knowledge of 
the Bible was extensive and accurate, and it was a treat, both 

*■ A protracted meeting lasting for months, and conducted bj ministers 
of different denominations, was held in his dwelling, and as many as fifty 
persons professed faith in Christ. 
30 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 31 

intellectual and spiritual, to sit at his hospitable hearth and 
listen to his expositions of scriptural truth. His wife was a 
very superior woman, very energetic and a good manager — 
the mainstay, as it seemed to me, of the family. I thought 
them both liberal to a fault." * 

I also quote from the biographical sketch written by James 
B. Taylor on the occasion of his father's death : " Of the 
Clarkesville church he was an original member, and many 
years its senior deacon. For some time before its constitution 
he maintained almost alone the standard of truth, his house 
being alike the home for brethren in the ministry and the 
place for public worship. During the period of his connec- 
tion with this church he was indefatigable in his endeavors 
to sustain the prayer-meeting and the Sunday-school. Besides 
the school which was located in the town, he was instrumental 
in originating another about three miles distant, at Sandy 
Fork. This neighborhood contained a large number of chil- 
dren and adults who were unable to read, and who were 
spending the hours of the Lord's Day in a manner which was 
alike unfavorable to their mental and moral improvement. 
He became deeply solicitous on their behalf. Having pro- 
cured requisite books, he opened, with the aid of one or two 
others, a school in a small building near the road. It was 
considered by many a hopeless undertaking, but he persevered 
until it attracted the attention of the whole community by its 
salutary influence. Gradually the school grew, numbering at 
length more than one hundred regular scholars. Many adults, 
as well as children, were taught to read, and a generally re- 
formatory power w^as exerted in the neighborhood. A large 
number became the subjects of religious awakening and per- 
manently useful members of the church. 

" Subsequently to this period he became interested and per- 
sonally active in promoting the scriptural efficiency of several 
churches in the vicinity, both in North Carolina and Virginia. 
In connection with the churches of Buffalo, Tabb's Creek, 
Hester's, and Corinth he labored much, being often invited to 
address them on the subject of Sunday-school instruction and 

* Memorial Sermon, 



32 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

missions, as well as in their social meetings for prayer and mu- 
tual improvement. Among these churches he acquired a happy 
influence, and exerted it well on behalf of his Divine Master." 

Rey. J. E. Montague of North Carolina says that he was a 
member of Mr. Taylor's Sunday-school class at Oxford, and was 
first led by his teacher to exercise his gift in speaking. He adds 
that the old man often said that after becoming a Christian he 
longed to become a minister, but being " slow of speech " had 
not thought it possible, but that he had earnestly and con- 
stantly prayed God to make his son a preacher. 

In 1824 James B. Taylor was formally licensed to preach the 
gospel. He now began to exercise his gift more extensively. The 
Meherrin Association at that period held two sessions each 
year, one in the spring and the other in the fall. He attended 
the former of these in April, 1825, in Brunswick county, and 
preached. Here he met J. B. Jeter, between whom and him- 
self there immediately commenced an a-ffectionate intimacy, 
which was strengthened by frequent meetings and journeys 
together, and an epistolary correspondence till, in 1836, they 
became associated in Richmond. The nature and extent of 
this intimacy will appear in extracts to be given farther on. 
Elder Jeter was at this time a missionary of the General As- 
sociation, having, with Elder Daniel Witt, made extensive 
preaching-tours in the Portsmouth and Meherrin Associations, 
as well as in the mountain-regions of the State. He sug- 
gested to the young licentiate to attend the next meeting of 
the General Association. The latter determined to do so, 
finding his soul much encouraged by this interview. We 
next see him in .Richmond on the occasion of the June meet- 
ing (or General Association), knocking rather timidly at the 
door of Elder John Kerr, then pastor of the First Church, and 
anxiously inquiring for Brother Jeter. He was directed to 
Mr. William Crane's, where he found " Brother Jeter " estab- 
lished, and from that moment doubtless felt at home. 

This was the third* meeting of the General Association. 

* Till June, 1823, the style of the body had been " The Baptist General 
Meeting of Correspontlence," and the ohjecta had been different. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 33 

Elder Abner W. Clopton preached the introductory sermon 
from 2 Cor. v. 4 : For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, 
being burdened, etc. Elder Kobert Semple was chosen mode- 
rator. Among the delegates present were Elders Bryce, Ellison, 
Fife, Hiter, Mills, P. B. Smith, Ball, Noah Davis, and Jeter, 
who, with others, represented eleven district associations and 
four missionary societies. No churches were represented. 
Mr. Taylor appeared as a delegate from the Meherrin Associa- 
tion. Among those invited to seats were Elders Kerr, Luther 
Rice, Daniel Witt, P. Montague, and B. Phillips. The same 
invitation was also extended to two private brethren, members 
of the Executive Board, who were present. The sessions oc- 
cupied Saturday and Monday. The principal business trans- 
acted was the receiving of the report of the Board ; appointing 
a new Board ; hearing reports of corresponding messengers ; 
appointing other messengers, and arranging for the next meet- 
ing, which it was decided should be held in Fredericksburg. 

The business of the meeting seems to have been transacted 
without discussion, or if remarks were made by any, the min- 
utes do not mention the fact. Had it been the custom then for 
the missionaries to make oral statements concerning their fields 
and labors, what thrilling accounts might Jeter and Witt have 
given, as also Tisdale, who was laboring in the distant moun- 
tain-regions ! The minutes, including the list of delegates and 
the appointments for preaching, are all included in three pages, 
less than the least district association of the present day.* But 
if there was a dearth of speeches, there was not of sermons. 
Besides filling the pulpits of the two Baptist and the Presby- 
terian and Methodist meeting-houses on Sunday, the Associa- 
tion had four sermons preached on INIonday. At this meeting 
Mr. Taylor was a silent member. No doubt he preferred to 
listen to the giants that were present. As he looked admir- 
ingly on the commanding person of Rice, and listened to his 
sonorous voice, how little he imagined that on himself would 
devolve the task of writing the Memoir of that pioneer and 

* They were also printed at Milton, North Carolina, probably because the 
clerk, Abner "W. Clopton, was from that region; but the Baptists did not then 
have a Religious Herald or an H. K. Ellyson in Richmond. 

C 



34 LIFE AND TIMES OP JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

earnest pleader of the foreign mission cause! He, however, 
seems to have preached at one of the Richmond churches before 
leaving the city. 

Though this meeting of the General Association does not 
appear to have been characterized by spirited discussions, the 
report of the Board, as well as the action of that then appointed, 
and which immediately had a session, evidently " meant busi- 
ness." Eight missionaries had labored for longer or shorter 
periods, among whom were Elders Jeter and Witt, and in pay- 
ment of the^salaries of all these $307 had been expended. Those 
who like items in reports of expenses would be gratified with 
this report, as it clearly showed for what purpose every cent 
had been expended. As illustrating this, and also the charac- 
ter of some of the missionary-work then done, it is interesting 
to notice that the preceding year seven dollars had been charged 
by Elders Jeter and Witt " for a guide to conduct them through 
some parts of the Western regions." This fact is mentioned 
not only in the treasurer's report, but twice in the body of the 
report of the Board. 

The Board at this meeting commissioned seven missionaries, 
among whom was the subject of this Memoir, who, being un- 
ordained, was not yet dignified with the title of Elder. Ac- 
cordingly, Item 7 of the minutes of the Board meeting reads: 
"James B. Taylor w^as appointed a missionary to occupy the 
lower section of Meherrin District for six months, making a 
tour once a month, and to render a particular account of his 
labors. Ordered, That the treasurer advance to him $25." 
A letter of counsel from Elder Clopton was addressed to the 
young missionary. 

The field to be cultivated embraced Dinwiddle, Brunswick, 
Nottaway, and Lunenburg counties. He now made his home 
in Dinwiddie. The plan pursued was to spend a fortnight in 
his study, devoting every available hour to the word of God 
and the preparation of sermons, and then to ride for a fort- 
night, filling some appointment every day. At this period of 
his life he was very fond of a horse and an excellent rider ; 
and I used to feel in my childhood a romantic interest in his 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 35 

accounts of one or two horses he had owned, and of incidents 
in connection with them. One of these is as follows : He had 
just procured a fine young animal, and ridden him some dis- 
tance to fill an appointment. The steed was turned into a 
pasture which was supposed to be safe ; but, lo and behold ! the 
next morning the horse was gone and the preacher was afoot. 
It was subsequently ascertained that the animal had made 
almost a bee-line across the country to the place where it was 
baled. 

On another occasion he was riding in a strange region at 
night when it was very dark, and he lost his way. He deter- 
mined to commit himself entirely to the horse, and was borne 
safely to the place of his destination. But he afterward found 
that he had passed over places more difiicult and dangerous 
than he would himself have dared to attempt even by daylight. 

In December of this year Mr. Taylor attended the semi- 
annual meeting of the Board and tendered his resignation, 
having been under appointment six months, and, by the ar- 
rangement already stated, having performed three months' 
actual service. He reported that in some places the prospects 
of doing good were very encouraging, in others not so ; and he 
assigned as his reason for wishing to withdraw from the service of 
the Board a desire " to be more at leisure to pursue his studies." 
It does not appear that anything in addition to the $25 which 
had been advanced to him was paid to him for these three 
months of actual service. Making all allowance for the differ- 
ence in the purchasing-power of money, it would still appear 
that the office of missionary of the General Association was no 
sinecure. At this same meeting Elder Jeter also resigned his 
missionary appointment. 

The following extracts from Mr. Taylor's letters to his father, 
written while he was in the service of the General Association, 
will give some idea of his labors, as well as of the spirit with 
which they were prosecuted: 

DiNWiDDiE, August 21, 1825. 
.... I have been unwell for several days, partly from fatigue and 
the hot weather, but am now getting better. I have tried, in the last 



36 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

fourteen days, to preach twent v-three times, and find it has been too much 
for my strength. However, 1 think I may say the Lord has given me 
strength according to ray day, and if I can but be useful I shall be amply 
rewarded. I think the prospects are encouraging. I have good congre- 
gations almost every day. I think I have determined in my mind, if 
the Lord will, to serve the destitute churches, at least until they get a 
better. As to the pecuniary aid which I shall receive (which will not 
be much), it is a point of minor importance to me. The Lord is able to 
supply all my needs, temporal as well as spiritual, according to his riches 
in glory by Christ Jesus. I find many of God's dear children scattered 
like sheep without a shepherd throughout this district of country ; and 
who knows but the Lord may make me, though unworthy, an instrument 
in his hands to bring together the outcasts of Israel ? 

The family with which I live is perhaps an extraordinary one. Ils 
members are remarkable for their piety and hospitality. I am treated 
with as much affection as if I were a brother. Oh how unworthy I am 
of the blessings I enjoy ! I have all I wish except more gratitude to God, 
more love for his ways, and the society of my father and mother and 
sisters. 

I wish to mention to you a subject on which I want your advice. 
When Brother Shelboume was along the subject of my ordination wa.s 
spoken of. The churches seem to wish that I should be authorized to 
administer the ordinance*. I was absent, but Brother S. said he thought 
it should be done. For my part, I should rather wait a while if it were 
not for the pressing need of ordained ministers. I should like the will 
of the Lord to be done. Give me your thoughts on the subject. 

I wish you also to inform me how you get along, and what are your 
prospects. I hope the Lord will grant you every necessary supply. He 
has promised he will never leave or forsake his people — that " bread 
shall be given them, and their water shall be sure." 

DixwiKDiE, September 9. 1S25. 

Brother Jeter and myself have just returned from our tour in Xorth 
Carolina.. We passed through seven counties, and had a pleasant 
time. The Lord seems to be watering his churches. I never saw such 
prospects in my life. We had, for several days, from five hundred to 
eight hundred people to hear ns preach the everlasting gospel, whilst 
Christians are rejoicing and sinners flying from the wrath to come. They 
are very anxious I should settle among them. The churches are large, 
and some of them are composed of the higher order of society. I am 
afraid there will be a great falling away among them, as religion is quite 
fashionable. I am much pleased with Brother Jeter. He is a pleasant 
and improving companion. We seemed to fit each other in every sense 



LIFE AXD TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 37 

of the word. I find I am but a babe to him, however, in preaching 
talents. He speaks plainly and forcibly, and is sometimes quite elo- 
quent. In my last I mentioned being unwell, and that I had some 
apprehensions about traveling in the sickly country. I am now, through 
the tender mercies of my heavenly Father, quite well. I think the trip 
has cured me, and I fijid it is a good thing to trust in the Lord, who 
takes care of his children and heals their temporal and spiritual diseases. 
Oh for a heart to praise and serve him ! You may sometimes be alarmed 
on my account; but why should you fear? I am in the hands of God, 
and if he designs to make me useful in his vineyard, he is able to pre- 
serve me amidst danger and death, Recollect the promise of the Lord : 
" He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou 
trust," etc. These are rich and precious promises, and though we are 
fearful and distrustful, God is faithful. Indeed, he has always dealt 
with me better than my fears, and infinitely better than I deserve ; for I 
am brought sometimes to wonder that amid my complicated spiritual 
maladies I am not left to pine away and die ; but he sustains me, and 
hitherto has helped me. 

DrswTDDiE, November 13, 1825. 

I arrived last night from my tour down the country, in which I passed 
through the counties of Xash, Franklin, Wake, Edgecombe, Halifax, etc. 
I enjoyed myself among the brethren, who seem to possess the fire of 
religion. At the Union meeting I met with Brothers Jeter and Petty. 
We had rather a cold time of it. The people of that part of the county 
are extremely anxious that Brother Jeter and myself should settle among 
them. Brother Jeter has received an invitation from the churches for- 
merly attended by Straughn and Lunsford, and I think it probable he 
will go. He seems 'desirous that we should be together, and preach as 
Brethren Clopton and Witt are now doing. One of the churches num- 
bers six hundred members. 

I hope you will write immediately, and let me know how you are get- 
ting on. I trust the Lord will supply all your need according to his 
riches in glory by Christ Jesus. We are too apt to anticipate evil when 
the Lord intends good in his dealings with us. Indeed, he always acts 
toward his children with a special regard to their spiritual and eternal 
welfare. We shall doubtless, when we arrive at mature age, know that 
God has acted with us as with sons. Could we now view tilings in that 
light, it would lessen that gloom and disquietude which too often spoil 
our peace ; it would impart an evenness of temper amid the fluctuating 
scenes of life which would be well pleasing to God and happiness to our- 
selves. We should, however, beware of yielding to a spirit of indiffer- 
ence in regard to the use of proper means for stijaplying our temporal 
wants. There are extremes in everything, and happy would it be for us 
4 



38 LIFE AND Ti:\IES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

could we always keep the middle path. We should use a persevering 
industry and application, with a proper sense of dependence on God for 
success. Then we should not be too much elated by prosperity or de- 
pressed by adversity. Thankfulness and submission become unworthy 
dependants like ourselves, specially when we consider how distinguished 
we are above many of our fellow-creatures. 

LuNEXBURG, December 10, 1825. 

I am now on my last tour, which I expect to finish to-morrow week, 
and shall start Monday to meet Brethren Clopton and Witt on their way 
to Richmond. I expect to attend the churches in this part of the 
country next year, and it is possible I shall take a school. 

I hope the Lord will sustain you and mother amid your trials. I 
trust he has taught you both the changeableness of all sublunary things, 
and that his favor is life and his loving-kindness is better than life. It 
is true we cannot see through the clouds which overhang the divine dis- 
pensations, yet I feel confident they are the result of consummate wisdom 
and unfathomable goodness. " What I do thou knowest not now, but 
thou shalt know hereafter." These considerations should hush every 
murmuring thought. But there are motives much higher even than this. 
When I recollect my vileness and ingratitude, I am made to wonder 
that I have not received more signal displays of the divine displeasure. 
A remembrance, too, of undeserved favors and privileges should assuage 
the impatience we so often feel. But above all, that load of sorrow and 
grief which was borne by our blessed Saviour ! 

" His way was much darker and rougher than mine : 
Did Christ my Lord suffer, and shall I repine ?" 

* * * * ^(. * 

Please make the following appointments for me. (Then follows a 
list extending through a week.) 

Yesterday I had a large congregation ; my text was " Say ye to the 
righteous. It shall be well with him," etc. Please let me hear by the next 
post how you all are. I pray that you may, in the language of White- 
field, enjoy a prosperous soul in a healthy body. For my part, I think 
to enjoy lively views of Christ is far preferable to every other comfort. 
A sense of his loveliness, his excellence, and the fullness of his satisfac- 
tion is more cheering to the burdened soul than mountains of gold and 
silver. 

It must have been in one of the tours referred to in the 
preceding letters that the interview occurred which is described 
as follows by Rev. A. M. Poindexter in his Memorial Sermon : 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOK. 39 

The first time I saw Brother Taylor was, I think, in 1825. I was 
then residing in Bertie county, North Carolina, the place of my nativity. 
It was common at that period for ministers to take long missionary 
journeys on their own responsibility. About this time a number of Vir- 
ginia ministers visited Bertie, among them Brother Taylor. He had an 
appointment at Holly Grove, a church of which my father had been 
pastor — I think he had died just before Brother Taylor's visit — and our 
house, some fifteen miles distant, was the proper point from which to 
reach his next meeting. I was sent to meet and escort him to our home, 
I remember very distinctly the impression he made upon me, though I 
recollect nothing of the sermon, not the text even. I thought him not at 
all talented, but of a sound, practical mind, great seriousness and earnest- 
ness, and very pious. He was so grave for a young man that I rather 
dreaded the ride we must take in company. I found, however, that I 
had a genial, appreciative, and indulgent companion. And this not as 
the result of any change in him — he was still grave — but from the 
presentation of another aspect of his character which rounded it ofi" and 
made him appear very lovely. I came to love him then, and I have 
loved him ever since. 

My knowledge of James B. Taylor, says Dr. Jeter, began at the 
meeting of the Meherrin Baptist Association, since merged into the Con- 
cord Association, held at the Reedy Creek meeting-house, in Brunswick 
county, Virginia, in the year 1825. He was then just entering the 
twenty-second year of his age, but remarkably juvenile in his appearance. 
I had been two or three years in the ministry, and, as young Baptist 
ministers were at that time scarce, I was delighted to meet him. I had 
not before heard of him. Our intimacy and friendship commenced from 
the moment of our introduction, and was never interrupted from that 
time to the day of his death. 

He was strikingly frank in his disposition, gentle in his manners, con- 
fiding in his spirit, and plain and neat in his personal appearance. In 
less than twenty hours after our first meeting we had entered fully into 
each other's views, sympathies, and plans. He preached a sermon from 
the text, 1 Peter ii. 7 : " Unto you therefore which believe he is pre- 
cious." It took me, as it did the congregation generally, by surprise. 
The theme was suited to his genius and spirit, for he was a Barnabas, 
not a Boanerges. I heard him, doubtless, preach many abler sermons, 
but it may well be doubted whether any of them were sounder in doc- 
trine or more persuasive and pathetic than that. This judgment cor- 
responds with that of his venerable father, who was not only a ripe 
Christian, but a man of extensive knowledge and sound sense. He told 
me not long before his death that when his son commenced preaching 



40 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

he would, after spending the day at liis work-bench, walk a considerable 
distance at night and preach as well as he had ever heard him. The old 
man stated that he could not imagine whence James derived the know- 
ledge which his sermons displayed. 

My interview with the young preacher resulted in an arrangement for 
him to accompany me on a preaching-tour which I was engaged to make 
in Eastern North Carolina, including the counties of Northampton and 
Bertie. At that time I resided with the venerable Nathaniel Chambliss, 
in Sussex county. Taylor came down on horseback, as then all our 
journeys were made in that way, to my place of abode. He commenced 
the labors of his trip by a week-day sermon at High Hills meeting-house. 
His text was Isaiah Ixii. 3 : " Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the 
hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God." Of the 
sermon I remember nothing, excej)t that it sustained and confirmed the 
estimate that I had at first formed of the ability and promise of the young 
preacher. 

Many of the events of the journey to North Carolina have faded from 
my recollection. Some of those which I remember, though pleasant for 
us to talk of while he was living, are not worthy of a place in this record. 
We had large congregations — for a most extraordinary revival had re- 
cently prevailed in that region, and the desire to hear preaching was 
general and strong — and Taylor was everywhere heard with amazement 
and delight. 

One occurrence, amusing rather than instructive, and not at all to my 
own glory, I will mention. We had an appointment at a place called, 
as well as I can remember it, Potecasi. The house was crowded, and 
Taylor preached with unusual fervency and poAver. The people were 
much affected by his discourse. According to the custom of the time, I 
was to follow him with a second sermon. When I attempted to preach 
I experienced an embarrassment which has caased me occasional trouble, 
and sometimes deep mortification, during the whole period of my min- 
istry. My mind was dark and bewildered and my feelings were flat and 
cold, and as my preaching was extempore, it was of course confused, 
feeble, and insipid. After proceeding ten or fifteen minutes, my way be- 
coming darker and more perplexing at every step, I deemed it better to 
stop. I was not unable to proceed, but really thinking that my discourse 
was so little in harmony with the feelings of the audience that a change in 
the service would be greeted by them with pleasure, I suddenly called on the 
brethren to sing. The weather was extremely warm, and the congregation 
was almost suffocated with heat. The unexpected close of my sermon 
led to the supposition that I was on the point of fainting from the influ- 
ence of the weather, and several brethren came forward sympathizingly 
to the pulpit with water and fans for my relief. My head was bowed, not 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 41 

in feebleness, but in sliame. As the friends approached with anxious 
countenances, their fears were quieted by the gentle and playful remark 
of Taylor : " Brother Jeter is suffering not from heat, but from cold." The 
story is not yet finished, but as I have commenced I must go through 
with it. Some months before this time I had made a preaching-tour 
through this section of the State — the most delightful that I have ever 
made. It was during the revival ; crowds attended on my ministry, as 
they would have done on the ministry of any stranger, and I preached 
with a freedom and a pleasure which I have rarely experienced. The 
acceptableness of my preaching was very gratifying to me, young and 
obscure as I was. My popularity did not help me, however, to bear my 
Potecasi defeat, but it will serve to explain what follows. We were to 
go from Potecasi to Murfreesboro' to fill an appointment. Some one who 
attended the meeting at the former place went to the town in advance of 
us. Old Deacon W., the Baptist Gains of the place, and who was to be 
our host, inquired of the newly-arrived friend how he liked the preacher, 
The appointment was for me, and the deacon had not heard that I was 
accompanied by a young minister. Said the friend : " I liked the 
13reacher very well ; he delivered a fine sermon ; but there was a man 
who spoke after him — I don't know whether he was an exhorter or what 
he was — I didn't think much of him." Deacon W. supposed, of course, 
that I was the fine preacher, sustaining the reputation that I had ac- 
quired in my former trip, and that I was attended by some novice who 
was seeking to cultivate his gifts among strangers. He was as much 
amused as I was mortified when he learned that my companion was the 
fine preacher and that I was the quasi exhorter. 

I fear the reader will think that I am furnishing reminiscences of my- 
self — to which, by the way, there is no strong temptation — rather than of 
Taylor; but I have told this rather trivial story for the purpose of illus- 
trating two points in his history : first, his quiet, gentle humor, which 
never forsook him to the close of life; and, secondly, the wonderful 
ability, considering his lack of early mental training and means of ac- 
quiring theological knowledge, with which he preached in the very com- 
mencement of his ministry. 

This trip was an occasion in our lives. To us everything was fresh, 
everything around us was beautiful and filled us with delight. The 
friendships we formed were warm, some of them cherished through many 
years. Our intercourse strengthened the attachment commenced at our 
introduction ; the events of the trip furnished themes for many pleasant 
conversations in after years. 

My next distinct recollection of Brother Taylor is of a trip which we 
made together to the Baptist General Association, held in Fredericksburg 
in June, 1826. My reminiscences of the journey £^re not very distinct, 
4 * 



42 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

and unfortunately, as in most other cases, they liave reference to things 
trivial rather than weighty, and facetious rather than grave. One event 
of this class I will mention. We were accompanied by a young brother 
who, like ourselves, had very little knowledge of the world. In the county 
of Hanover we passed a small grocery — probably a mere tippling-hou=e— 
on the roadside, and stopped to get water. Our young friend was sent in 
to obtain it, and soon returning with it, stated that several men in the 
house were engaged in playing cards. We suggested that on his going 
back he should inquire when the grand jury would meet in the county, 
but did not really suppose he would have the temerity to follow the 
suggestion. He went in, however, proposed the question, and the shop- 
keeper, not perceiving its bearing, answered it civilly. Just as the heed- 
less inquirer got back and was about to mount his horse, the grocer, 
having discerned that the question had reference to an indictment for 
keeping a gambling-house, rushed out in a perfect fury, and with violent 
gesticulations cried at the top of his voice, " Come back here and I'll let 
you know when the grand jury meets." Seeing three young men to- 
gether whose appearance was not at all clerical, and not knowing by 
what weapons they might be defended, he did not charge on them, and 
we, quite panic-stricken, lost no time in widening, by a forced gait, the 
distance between him and us. We had done no good by our indiscreet 
and indirect reproof, but we left the grocery somewhat wiser and more 
cautious than we were before. 

At Fredericksburg we had a meeting of much interest and of enduring 
consequences. There Taylor and myself first met William F. Broaddus, 
Cumberland George, Edward G. Ship, John Ogilvie, and others. They 
were all young men rising into notice and influence. Taylor and my- 
self were received by them with great cordiality, and then and there 
was laid the foundation of a friendship and of a hearty co-operation in the 
advancement of the cause of Christ in this State and elsewhere which 
bore good fruits, but which circle of friends and co-laborers has been nar- 
rowed, by time and death, to the venerable Broaddus and myself. 

After this period (1826) the life of James B. Taylor became public 
property, and was largely recorded in all the minutes of the General 
Association of Virginia, in many of the minutes of the District Associa- 
tions of the State, in not a few of those of the denominational convention?? 
North and South, and in the columns of the Religious Herald to the very 
close of his useful ministry. 

After resigning his appointment as missionary of the General 
Association, Mr. Taylor continued to reside in Dinwiddle, pur- 
suing his studies and preaching statedly, not without tokens of 
the divine blessing upon his labors. During this period he was 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 43 

a contributor to the Columbian Star, published in Washington 
and edited by James D. Knowles. He also maintained a cor- 
respondence with his old friend, Giles Smith of Mecklenburg, 
who was a vigorous thinker and a spiritual Christian, his former 
pastor, " Father Hichards," J. B. Jeter, William Crane of Rich- 
mond, and his English relatives. He seems to have had some 
thoughts of visiting these last. One of his grandfather's letters 
to him, full of affection, says : " You say you would like to 
come to England to see all your relatives. You may depend 
upon a hearty welcome from your poor old grandfather and 
grandmother I feel myself fail rapidly, and when I de- 
part I hope I shall be with Christ, which is best of all." A 
few months later he hears from his uncle Barsabas of the death 
of this aged one, and again the family is urged to return to 
England, with liberal offers of assistance from the thriving Not- 
tingham manufacturer. 

Had these invitations been accepted, it is curious to specu- 
late as to what might have been his career in his native land. 
It would no doubt have been useful and honorable there or any- 
where, and it is not improbable that his style of speaking was 
better adapted to England than to this country. Still, it is im- 
possible to resist the conviction that the path which Providence 
marked out for him, and which he actually trod, was 'just the 
one which, on the whole, afforded the most scope for the devel- 
opment of his character and the useful employment of the tal- 
ents with which he was endowed. 

On the 2d of May, 1826, his ordination occurred in Char- 
lotte county, at Sandy Creek, that being one of Elder Richards' 
churches. The presbytery consisted of Elders William Rich- 
ards, Silas Shelbourne, and Pleasant Barnes. Elder Shelbourne 
preached the sermon and Elder Richards delivered the charge. 

About this time Mr. Taylor was afflicted by the death of a 
little sister who had been a pet with him. This event called 
forth from his pen a poem, which he enclosed in a letter ad- 
dressed to his father. A portion of it is inserted, without any 
intimation whatever as to its merit, but simply as going to show 
what he was at this period. He himself, after referriug to the 



44 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

power of religion to console in every time of trouble, says : " I 
have written for your inspection a few verses on the death of 
Elizabeth, which, though not very poetical, may serve to cheer 
you in the afflictive providence." 

LINES. 
Indulgent Father ! from whose bounteous hand 
All blessings come, and at whose dread command 
The sons of men return, and drop to dust. 
Teach me to bow and own thy judgment just. 

Though thou hast chastened sore and laid me low, 
Thou canst thy strengthening, healing grace bestow, 
And cause me through the darkest cloud to see 
That thou in wrath hast not forgotten me. 

Then let me look on scenes of former days. 
And think of thee, in whom are all my ways ; 
And whilfit I view the hiding of thy power, 
I would be still, lie prostrate, and adore. 

* -s^- * * -x- 

Then cease, my soul, to grieve ; no more repine ; 
On God my Saviour let my hopes recline. 
Who for my good his chastening hand employs 
To wean my heart from earth's polluted joys. 

Soon must the message come, " Thou too must die ;" 
With joy I'll stretch my airy wings and fly 
Where I shall meet with her I now deplore, 
And gaze on Jesus^ charms for evermore. 

At the meeting of the General Association already referred 
to, Elder Taylor had become acquainted with some of the mem- 
bers of the Second Baptist Church in Richmond, prominent 
among whom was that excellent man, Deacon William Crane, 
who, with his brother James, for several years constituted the 
principal strength of this church. At the semi-annual session 
of the Board, held at Richmond about the close of the year 
1825, this acquaintanceship was increased. "Early in 1826" 
(I quote now the words of Elder J. A. Chambliss, who recently 
delivered an interesting lecture on the history of the Second Bap- 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 45 

tist Church) " the eyes of the church were turned to him as the 
most suitable man for the pastorate which they were now called 
upon to fill ; but their efforts to secure his services, though 
marked by all the well-known determination and persistence of 
Deacon William Crane, who conducted the correspondence for 
the church, were promptly and steadily discouraged. Mr. Tay- 
lor could not be persuaded that it would be wise for him, a 
mere boy, without training or experience, to undertake the task 
of building up a church which was then small, weak, without a 
congregation, badly located in the city, and mightily opposed by 
the old and influential mother-church. In his own language, 
he would, when it was first proposed to him, " as soon have 
thought of going to the moon." So set and bent against it was 
he that in order to put an end to the correspondence and com- 
pel the church to give up all thought of him in connection with 
the pastoral office over them — a result he could by no ordinary 
means accomplish while Deacon Crane was at the other end of 
the line — he finally determined, like Jonah, to run away. Un- 
like Jonah, however, he had not yet recognized the voice of 
God in the call. He started on horseback to visit a relative 
in Georgia, proposing to turn aside on his journey to attend a 
meeting of the Dover Association at Mangohick in King AVil- 
liam county. But now the Lord took the bridle into his own 
hands, and there ended the trip to Georgia. At the Associa- 
tion, Deacon Crane informed him that some unusual feeling had 
been recently manifested among them, and prevailed upon him 
to stop and labor with them a little while. The "little while" 
lengthened out into thirteen blessed years. 

The following extracts from Deacon Crane's letters to Mr. 
Taylor, ^nd from Mr. Taylor's to his father, in the year 1826, 
reveal somewhat more fully the process by which the aforesaid 
result was brought about, while they also give some insight into 
the movements and feelings of the writers, as well as into the 
spirit and enterprise of Virginia Baptists of that day. 

Under date of April 4, Mr. Crane acknowledges a contribu- 
tion of five dollars for foreign missions, and then goes on to 
speak of the meeting of the Virginia Foreign Mission Society, 



46 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

which Luther Rice had attended ; and of tlie plan to send 
Semple and Kerr to the Convention in New York, paying 
their traveling expenses ; and of the appointment of Elder Ball 
as agent " to travel in various parts of the State and endeavor 
to promote the cause of foreign missions ;" and the appoint- 
ment of a committee of Elders Semple, Kerr, Ball, Roper, and 
Keeling, " to consider and devise the best way of getting into 
operation a periodical publication in Richmond." Then fol- 
lows an urgent invitation to visit Richmond. The letter con- 
cludes : " I think if you were at liberty and willing to come 
directly, our church would unite in requesting you to do so. . . . 
I know of no one who, under all the circumstances of the case, 
would be so likely to occupy the place to advantage as your- 
self. I wish very much you would arrange to spend some more 
time with us, and get better acquainted with all of us ; and I 
indulge the hope that the Lord may open the way for your be- 
coming settled with us." 

[Mr. Taylor's Letter.] 

Brunswick, May 17. 

Brother Jeter and myself are together, and will preach to-day at 
James' meeting-house. We attended last Monday at Wilson's, with 
Brethren Shelbourne and Petty. I had the honor, in obedience to the 
command of Jesus, to administer the ordinance of baptism, though I can 
assure you it was awkwardly enough done. Brother Jeter and myself 

will continue together for five or six weeks I have reason to 

thank the Lord I never was better, notwithstanding I have ridden and 
preached ever since I left you. The state of my mind has been better, 
too, since my afflictions. I think I see more the necessity of looking simply 
to Jesus than ever I did before. I think that I have too much depended 
on my faith and feelings, and consequently with every varying frame 

my confidence has risen and fallen I have been ready, when 

viewing myself, to look back to the time when I first thought 1 experi- 
enced religion as the ground of my comfort, whei'eas Jesus, the same 
yesterday, to-day, and for ever, should be my only stay. I have often 
been distressed in inquiring whether Christ died for me in particular, 
but I have concluded that the Bible warrants me, as a sinner, to believe 
in Christ the Saviour of sinners. It is not my business to know whether 
I am elected or interested in the work of the Saviour in particular, be- 
cause there is no such revelation, but simply to believe, as condemned 
by the law, what God has said concerning his Son, that he is pleased for 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 47 

his righteousness' sake. And I think that in proportion as I can look 
out of myself to Christ, so is my peace promoted and so does the hein- 
ousness of sin appear. I have viewed the deep, the almost bottomless 
deceit of my heart, and acquired a greater abhorrence of myself. Oh 
how does a view of Jesus destroy the law of sin, and impart a thirst for 
holiness and heaven ! 

[Mr. Taylor's Letter.] 

Fredericksburg, June 14, 1826. 
After having traveled through the most delightful country I have 
ever seen, I arrived in Fredericksburg on Saturday last. I am sure a 
more delightful prospect could not have been had than that which pre- 
sented itself for several miles before I reached the city. Large farms in 
the highest state of cultivation were made up of one perfect level, and 
waving with wheat almost ready for harvest. I was told that a view like 
this extended seventy miles. I have met with perhaps twenty or thirty 
ministers, many of whom are eminent for talents and acquirements. 
There is a young man named Broaddus,* who preached this morning, 
who excels any I ever heard, Brother Witt not excepted. I have sev- 
eral appointments with Brother Jeter down in the Northern Neck, but 
as my horse is very poor I shall decline going. The brethren in Eich- 
mond are very anxious that I should settle among them. I confess I 
am at some loss how to proceed in this matter. The churches I now 
supply need preaching, and it is probable I shall get a support. Brother 
Semple seems to wish I should live in Richmond. [After mentioning 
some difficulties in the way, he adds], I desire to be just where the Lord 
pleases, and where I can be most useful. Pray the Lord that I may sub- 
mit to his guidance, be successful in winning souls to Jesus, and adorn 
the doctrines of the gospel by a well-ordered life and conversation. If 
these can be effected, no matter where I am or what my external cir- 
cumstances. 

[}lr. Taylor's Letter.] 

RiCHMOXD, June 16, 1826. 
I have tried to preach to-day at the Second meeting-house from 
Psalms cxii. 1. The congregation was very good, considering circum- 
stances. The brethren here seem still to be anxious I should settle 
among them and become their pastor. I am still undetermined on the 
subject, and therefore shall not be able to give them a decisive answer. 
I hope I shall be directed by the Lord in the way I should go, and not 
run unadvisedly in a matter of so much importance. I expect to start 
to-morrow morning to Brother Semple's, at which place I shall meet 
Brother Jeter, preach two days in that neighborhood, and thence return 
to Dinwiddle. 

* This was "Wm. F. Broaddus. 



48 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

I am extremely anxious to see all the family, those who are dearer to 
me than all the world besides. I often send a longing prayer to the 
Lord in your behalf, and indulge a wish to sit with you all and converse 
with you as I have done. I hope you feel reconciled to the wonderful 
and unmerited grace of God in enabling me to preach the unsearchable 
riches of Christ. I am sure I would not exchange conditions with the 
potentate of Kussia, and give up my employ as a minister of Jesus for 
any other, however honorable among men. And should the Lord see 
lit to take, me from this world of sin, you would have no just cause to 
sorrow. I desire you would pray most of all that I may be saved from 
sin whilst I remain here, and that I may be useful in the cause of Jesus, 
.... I have procured some tracts for mother and the children. 

[From Mr. Crane's Letter.] 

Richmond, September 1, 1826. 
Our Dover Association will not meet till the second Saturday, or the 
14th, which will make the third Sunday in October. I trust you will not 
fail to be here before that time, and be with us the fourth and fifth Sun- 
days. We are quite anxious, all of us, and indeed rather impatient, to 
have you settled with us, for we seem scarcely to exist at all, as a church, 
in our present cold, destitute state. Brother Rice told me he rather ad- 
vised you to come here on trial, and not to settle entirely ; but I showed 
him two of your pieces in the Star, and he readily changed his opinion, 
and agreed with me that, all the circumstances of the case considered, 
there is no one that we are all acquainted with who could probably 
occupy with as much prospect of success among us as yourself. 

[From Mr. Crane's Letter.] 

Richmond, September 21, 1826. 

Yours of the 14th is just received this morning. I rejoice that your 
labors are blessed, and that souls are added to the kingdom of our dear 
Bedeemer. For ourselves, however, we still seem to languish and droop 
and die. Our little church has long been without a shepherd, and the 
little flock seems to become weaker and more dispirited every day, and 
the hopes of those who sigh and pray over our desolate condition have 
for some time past all seemed to centre in you •, the most feeling, anxious 
wishes are constantly expressed, by all who feel any interest in our wel- 
fare, that you would come, and that you would come directly. 

Brother Kerr's congregation is not much different from what it has 
been. Several of his members take Campbell's* paper, and that is quite 
sufficient to paralyze and impede the progress of everything good. I am 
very sorry you seem still halting whether to come here or not, and I 

* Alexander Campbell's. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 49 

don't think Brother 's opinion need weigh much with you. I am 

satisfied that Brother Semple, Brothers Rice, Ball, Fife, and Jeter would 
be glad to see you settled here. Brother Jeter left here this morning for 
Lancaster county. He preached for us last night, and I am sure he will 
approve of your coming; indeed, I am sure you can't find a judicious, 
disinterested person, who knows all the circumstances, who would not 
approve of it. But our anxieties are so great on the subject that it is 
really painful to continue in suspense about it. I have told our friends, 
all of them, that you had given me good reason to believe that you in- 
tended to come, but they are anxious for a promise that you v)ill come. 
Sister Smith is about taking a house, and hopes you will board with her. 
If you come here, I am satisfied your prospects of success and usefulness 
will be about the same as Dr. Baldwin's were when he removed to Boston. 
Dr. Stillman's flowing, commanding eloquence had long carried all be- 
fore it, but in a few years Dr. B.'s church was, and is still, the most 
weighty one (of Baptists) in the city. A most strict attention to pastoral 
duties soon gained him the affection or respect of all who knew him. It 
may be a vain conceit in me, but I know there are others with me whose 
hopes have been raised, that, should the Lord spare your life, you may 
yet weigh as much, and perhaps become as eminently useful in the church, 
as even Dr. Baldwin. 

I hope you will not fail to come to our Association, and I regret very 
much that you are going to the South. I hope you will give that up. 

[From Mr. Crane's Letter.] 

Richmond, September 25, 1826. 
I send accompanying this three copies of the first number of the Rich- 
mond Evangelical Enquirer, by Brother Keeling. It is published rather 
in anticipation of its date, and has been hurried to let some of our breth- 
ren have copies for the Goshen and Strawberry Associations. I don't 
think the first number a very interesting one, but hope Brother K. will 
make a good editor when he gets a little farther into it. 

We are in hopes he may get one thousand subscribers in this State, but 
it will require considerable exertion. I have no doubt you will get some. 
5 D 



CHAPTEK V. 

TO be a city pastor has rather a grand sound, and in the 
distance and to the uninitiated it may appear desirable ; 
but really few positions can be less eligible, from a worldly 
point of view, or more trying to all the Christian virtues, than 
the pastorate of a feeble church in a city, especially if it is 
overshadowed by other and more powerful ones. This was 
emphatically the case with the Second Church, the care of 
which Mr. Taylor now assumed. In the first place, it was both 
numerically and financially a very feeble band, having only 
eighteen white members, of whom not more than two or three 
were at all well ofi", while a considerable debt rested upon them 
for their house of worship. What is more important, they 
appear to have been " far below that degree of zeal and love 
for the salvation of souls which is the first element of success 

in a church of Christ It was not an anti-mission church. 

But so inadequate were its conceptions of the value and im- 
portance of missionary effort, even as related to their own pros- 
perity, that about the time Mr. Taylor became pastor we find 
a resolution adopted prohibiting the regular collection for 
missions which they had previously ordered, because of an ap- 
prehension that it would interfere with the contributions for 
the support of the gospel among themselves. They believed 
in Sunday-schools, too, yet so little did the majority, at least, 
appreciate the worth of that enterprise to the church that in 
1828- 1 find this resolution among the records: 'The church 
being of opinion, formed from past and long experience, that 
it is extremely difficult, if not impracticable, for the sexton to 
keep the meeting-house in actual order so long as the Sabbath- 
school shall continue to be held therein ; Resolved, that the 
superintendent and teachers of the school be respectfully re- 

50 



LIFE Als^D TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 61 

quested to procure some other room for its accommodation ;' 
and actually for six months the Sabbath-school was turned out 
in the cold." * 

Another most discouraging feature was that a congregation 
was not collected, and consequently the material to work upon 
was yet to be gathered. The church, though it had existed 
seven years, had never had, either in form or in fact, a pastor. 
Elder David Koper had lovingly and gratuitously supplied 
the pulpit, but had been compelled to support his family by 
pursuing a secular calling, which rendered pastoral work im- 
possible, and he had been constantly looking forward to the 
time when the church would be able to settle a pastor over 
them. The result was, as we have before stated, that no con- 
gregation was yet gathered. It, in fact, was composed almost 
exclusively of the members of the church. For some time this 
difficulty continued, and a lady now living, who was then a 
member of the congregation, said she " was always glad if any 
one sat the other side of the chandelier, which hung about the 
middle of the house." Nor was it so certain where a congre- 
gation would come from, for " the boundaries of the different 
churches and worshiping assemblies appeared to be distinctly 
marked." Perhaps this was, of all the unfavorable elements, 
the very worst, for what can be drearier and more dishearten- 
ing than to preach with so many empty benches staring one in 
the face ? 

The house was commodious enough — indeed, as yet, too com- 
modious — but it was in some respects badly located, even for 
those times. I say, for those times, because Richmond was then 
far from being the beautiful city that it now is, squares at 
present occupied by noble blocks of buildings being then vast 
ravines filled with free negro cabins and pig-sties, and oft re- 
sorted to for dog-fights and cock-fights. But even for those 
days the " Second meeting-house," as it was sometimes called, 
was, in some respects, badly located. It was on a narrow, 
dirty, obscure street or alley near the Basin. Nothing could 
have been more repulsive to those wishing to have their 

* Rev. J. A. Chambliss's Lecture. 



52 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

Sunday as well as their week-day home pleasantly and fash- 
ionably located. 

Finally, the church did feel, to say the least, the overshadow- 
ing influence of the powerful mother-church. 

On the other hand, the pastor had in his favor that the 
church were cordially and even enthusiastically united on him 
as their leader, and among their number were at least two 
noble coadjutors. Happy the young pastor with such deacons 
as the Brothers Crane, so earnest, loving, and true! And 
indeed, besides them, there was certainly at a very early 
period a Northern element in the church, which brought to it 
that spirit of enterprise which is generally characteristic of 
that region. Even the location of the house may not have 
been, in all respects, a bad one. It was convenient to a large 
population, mostly of the poorer classes, and who were thus 
less likely to have been looked after and gathered into any 
church-fold. 

But whatever the difficulties were, it is evident he had 
weighed them, and was prepared for them. He had not come 
with any rose-colored views of his life in Richmond. 

Immediately he addressed himself to work — the work of a 
pastor, for which it soon appeared he had a tine natural gift. He 
seems even then to have believed, with Dr. Chalmers, that " a 
house-going preacher makes a church-going people," and to 
have acted upon the maxim. No opportunity to gain admit- 
tance to a family was neglected, and wherever he went he went 
as a pastor, avoiding, on the one hand, giving a secular cha- 
racter to the visit, and on the other, the harsh and unnatural 
introduction of religious subjects. His plan was to show an 
interest in the family, win them by entering into whatever con- 
cerned them, and yet make it clear ere he left that a high aim 
had been before him, even to do good to their souls. The re- 
sult was, that persons were attached to him, drawn into his 
congregation, and conciliated to his message; and in many 
cases the seeds of divine truth were, in those fireside interviews, 
dropped into prepared soil and yielded rich fruit. A lady 
who was a little girl during a part of his pastoral career in 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 53 

Richmond says : " No one ever so impressed me in my child- 
hood. Other ministers, I thought, were good men and wanted 
to be useful, but Mr. Taylor seemed to know me and care for 
m^. I felt that he somehow cherished a special interest in my 
soul, and specially desired my salvation. I never had just 
such feelings to any other person in the world." She adds : 
" I think it was this power (which really grew out of his sin- 
cere and earnest solicitude for individuals) which was a great 
secret of his success." 

One class especially he assiduously looked after. They are 
peculiarly accessible, and peculiarly appreciate a minister's at- 
tentions — the poor. Well did he heed and obey his father's 
injunctions, given him at this time, to b'=' diligent in ministering 
to the poor. Nor was this labor unimportant in its bearing on 
the interests of the church. Poor people fill benches as well as 
wealthy ones. They are just as apt to join heartily in the song 
of praise. They are quite as likely to be earnest in labors, and 
to offer prayers that will draw down the divine blessing. Then, 
even as to pecuniary strength, they may make up in numbers 
what they lack in individual ability ; and the pennies of the 
multitude soon count up very largely. Besides, the poor man 
of to-day may be rich some day, or if not he, his children. In 
all these respects this pastor found his diligent visiting among 
the dwellings of the poor soon telling favorably upon his church. 
Specially was it in many instances the case that families greatly 
improved their pecuniary condition, and were thus enabled 
liberally to support the gospel and help every good cause. 
And this was more interesting when it occurred, as it not sel- 
dom did, that this temporal thrift was due to the influence of 
piety in the individual and in the family. Thus the pastor in 
a manner carried temporal as well as spiritual wealth to those 
to whom he ministered, who were in turn ready to bring their 
tithes into the Lord's storehouse. He would frequently refer 
to such instances, and say that he loved to see how the gospel 
worked up — improving men's circumstances, and in every re- 
spect elevating their condition as well as their character. 

Mr. Taylor mentioned, years afterward to Dr. Poindexter, 

5 * 



64 LIFE AXD TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

that it was his habit, while a pastor, when he married person? 
in humble circumstances, to take an opportunity, at the time 
or afterward, to give them a little talk in reference to their pe- 
cuniary concerns, advising them to be economical and save 
something from their earnings while they could, and as soon as 
possible secure a home of their own. He added that he had 
great satisfaction in knowing that in several instances his efforts 
in this direction had been signally blessed to the prosperity of 
those thus addressed. 

In this connection the following extracts from his liary and 
from his letters to his father are introduced. They reveal the 
condition of things in Richmond, and his own situation and 
feelings, and need no explanation : 

[From his Diary.] 

1826, October 26. I have been about two weeks in Richmond, and ex- 
pect to reside here permanently if it be the will of the Lord. In entering 
on the work assigned me I cannot help trembling at the prospect. In 
this city are many thousands ignorant of God, the Maker of the universe; 
and every day my fellow-immortals are sinking around me to eternal 
burnings. How shall I apportion my time so as to be useful and dis- 
charge my duty ? This is a question of infinite moment ; may I be di- 
rected by infinite Wisdom ! 

December 2, Saturday. Since the last date I have baptized thirteen 
persons. 

December 21. After having visited several persons to-day, I feel de- 
pressed in soul. How little of that charity do I possess which seeks an- 
other's good, and rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth ! How 
little of that love to God which will make me satisfied with his own plan 
of working in the appointments of his providence ! 

[To his Father.] 

Richmond, October 26, 1826. 
When I came to Richmond, about three weeks since, I determined to 
defer my trip to the South. The brethren here seemed so anxious I 
should stay that I concluded it was my duty to do so. I have now taken 
up my residence permanently in the city, and hope that the Lord will 
bless my labors to the salvation of perishing sinners. When I shall take 
my intended trip I cannot tell. The prospects for a revival are still en- 
couraging. About eighty have joined the Methodists, and some few the 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 55 

Presbyterians. Brother Kerr has baptized five, and expects to baptize 
several next Lord's Day. -Last Sunday I baptized six, and we had an 
agreeable season. There are meetings every night among us. Oh that 
salvation may go forth as a lamp that burneth, until many shall arise to 
call the Lord blessed ! I was much gratified at meeting with an old 
acquaintance from New York the other day. It was a Miss G., who was 
baptized on the same occasion with myself. 

Richmond, November 5, 1826. 
I am comfortably situated here in a room by myself. With as many 
books as I want, I shall be able to spend two days in the week in reading. 
The revival still goes on. Yesterday I preached three times — last night 
to the young. Many are anxious inquirers. I feel well satisfied with 
everything here except myself. I do not love Jesus as I would wish. I 
want to be spent in his blessed cause, to give myself up to his control, to 
take his yoke upon me, and learn of him. Oh for more devotion to his 
name and blessed service ! 

EiCHMOXD, January 8, 1827. 

In reference to the subject I mentioned a few weeks ago, you are rather 
disposed to think me hasty and imprudent. Perhaps I have been so. I 
am sure that your knowledge of mankind gives your opinion no little 
weight with me. Besides, the relation mother and yourself sustain to 
me as the authors of my being makes me unwilling to proceed in any 
important step without your approbation. The determination, therefore, 
which I then made shall now be relinquished. 

You remark in some part of your letter that you do not think me fitted 
to bear the ills of poverty. I am afraid I am not ; but so much the 
worse, as I expect to walk in poverty's vale all the days of my life. The 
prayer of Agur is a good one, yet if the providence of God allot to me 
a humble station as regards possessions, it is my duty to be resigned to 
his blessed will. " I have learned," says the apostle, "in whatever state 
I am, therewith to be content." Jesus had not where to lay his head ; 
and if I am discontented because of hard fare in this world, it arises 
from want of spirituality and devotedness to God. At the same time I 
think we should be diligent in business, and make proper calculations in 
reference to earthly matters, without which our trust is presumption and 
our patience the indifference of a stoic. I said I always expect to be 
poor, not because' I would affect to despise riches, but because no proper 
means are placed within my power to obtain them. As a minister of 
Jesus I have no time to devote to the acquisition of wealth myself, and 
I am not disposed to hazard my peace and usefulness by seeking it in 
marriage. On the whole, I would say, " The will of the Lord be done." 
May I be guided by his infinite wisdom and sanctified by his grace ! 



56 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

When I look back upon my past life, I find abundant reason to rejoice 
with fear and trembling, and to commit myself, with all that concerns 
me, into the hands of him who holds my breath and whose are all my 
ways. . The comfortable situation in which I am placed, contrasted with 
my deserts and with what might have been anticipated, is enough to dis- 
solve my heart with humility and love. I ought to give myself more 
unreservedly to the exhibition of God's praise. And I hope I shall. 
While I ought to be more devoted to God, I have the firmest ground of 
encouragement to confide in his superintending care. lie who feeds tlie 
young ravens when they cry, and clothes the lilies, will, I cannot doubt, 
provide for me. 

" His love in time past forbids me to think 
He'll leave me at last in trouble to sink ; 
Each sweet Ebenezer I have in review 
Confirms his good pleasure to help me quite through." 

My health, at present, is as good as at any other time of my life. Sur- 
rounded by an afiectionate and in some degree devoted people, I feel 
more than ever encouraged to prosecute with diligence my ministerial 
labors. 

[To his Father.] 

Richmond, June 14, 1827. 

I am just from the Capitol, where the Supreme Court of the United 
States is now in session. I have seen there the most talented men of the 
Virginia Bar, among whom are Wirt, Leigh, Johnson, Judge Hay, and 
John Marshall, Chief-Justice of the United States. The Chief-Justice is 
even less prepossessing in his appearance than he is represented to be 
by Mr. Wirt in the "British Spy," being a thin, tall, awkward-looking 
man. He has, however, the eye of an eagle, and his remarks to the 
lawyers, by way of instruction, are as plain and simple as they could be 
made. When he speaks all is silence. The lawyers wait upon his lips 
with the deej)est intensity of feeling, as everything he says has some 
meaning in it. I have not yet heard Mr. Wirt, but it is expected he 

will close the argument, at which time I desire to be present In 

my last I hinted something about the propriety of marriage, with refer- 
ence to myself. I desire you should advise me faithfully in this matter, 
as I believe you to be the best friend I have. I do not wish to take any 
step of this kind without your hearty concurrence, of without due con- 
sideration on my own part. It is probable that if I should change my 
situation, it would not improve my pecuniary circumstances, so that all 
the responsibility and anxiety of some secular business would have to be 
encountered. This is a thought not a little distressing, as I should have 
to neglect in a proportionate degree the great cause in which I am at 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAIMES B. TAYLOR. 57 

present engaged. I am sensible, however, that all my times are in the 
Lord's hands, and, believing that he has directed my way hitherto, I 
trust that I shall henceforth also be under his special guidance, and that 
he will keep me back from the gratification of my own natural feeling 
if. it come into collision with his will and with the consecration of all 
my powers to himself. I know that I am to be here but a few short 
years, and then I shall enter upon a new scene of things. Then, if I am 
the Lord's, I shall be separated from sensuality and unbelief, and from 
all that now hides from my view the lustre of holiness and the incom- 
parable charms of a dear Redeemer. Since, then, my stay in this world 
is momentary, it should be my chief concern to present my body and 
spirit unto God, which is my reasonable service, and my delight to 
engage, with all my powers, in promoting Christ's kingdom. Besides, 
when I look upon the desolation which sin has made, and contemplate 
the wretchedness to which thousands of my species are hastening, there 
is everything to excite me to the sacrifice of whatever is earthly and 
selfish. Oh for grace to lead and strengthen and keep me ! Oh for 
grace to make me useful ! This I think I desire more than mountains 
of gold and silver. 

[From his Diary.] 

November 4, Lord's Day. Having been confined for some time by 
sickness, I have preached only once in four weeks. I long to visit the 
house of God and to inquire in his holy temple. May I go this day in 
the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ, and may my labors 
be successful in winning souls to Christ ! Oh for more heavenly-minded- 
ness and love to the souls of perishing sinners ! 

December 10. There is a rich pleasure in the exercise of trust in the 
faithfulness of a covenant God. 

[To his Father.] 

RiCHMOJJD, December 20, 1827. 
.... Last Lord's Day I preached twice, and baptized two persons. 
The Wednesday night before I had much freedom in preaching on 
Christian love from John xiii. 34 : "A new commandment I give unto 
you," etc. After meeting, two prominent Baptists of the city (the one a 
member of the First Church, and the other of the Second Church), who 
had not spoken for five years, came together and mutually asked forgive- 
ness. The next day I had the pleasure of taking tea at the home of one 
of them, on which occasion both families united together in pledges of 
Christian afiection. This was a matter of joy and thankfulness to me, 
as well as to many others. 



58 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

[From his Diary.] 

1828, February 1. I often find myself yielding to acrimony of feeling 
when my opinions are opposed by others. Strange that one whose judg- 
ment is fallible and whose experience is so small should find any risings 
of temper at expressions of dissent made by others ! This is evidently 
the fountain-head of social, religious, and national broils. A fondness 
for one's own sentiments has produced more dispute and enmity among 
men than perhaps any other cause whatever. May I set a watch over 
my heart and over my lips, that I may not feel or speak improperly in 
my intercourse with my fellows ! 

February 2, Saturday night. Just attended the junior Bible-class, with 
some profit to myself, and I hope to others. Nothing can be more im- 
portant than the religious instruction of the young, since early principle? 
and habits will probably remain through life. But a responsibility of 
the most solemn kind rests on me in the discharge of this duty. There 
is danger of doing an injury to these youthful minds in giving them my 
opinions, rather than the truth in its simplicity and purity. 

February 5. Have just settled myself in a new family, which has 
produced some little agitation of mind. After having become familiar- 
ized with the habits of an amiable family, as was the case with Sister 
Smith and her children, it is exceedingly painful to leave them. But 
circumstances seemed to call for such a measure, and I trust it is for the 
best. May I be a blessing to those dwelling under this roof! May I 
exhibit an example of patience, meekness, sobriety, and prudence which 
shall win others to a knowledge of the truth ! 

February 6. Having spent half the day in studying my Latin gram- 
mar and logic, I am disposed to wonder that I have not been more dili- 
gent in my application to books. There is a pleasure in traveling the 
path of science which increases as I advance. If I shall be so happy as 
to obtain enough knowledge of the Latin and Greek to translate, I will 
be thankful, and I hope more useful in the cause of God. 

February 14. Last night I attended the ordination of Brother Her- 
bert C. Thompson at the meeting-house of the Second Baptist Church in 
this city, and felt exceedingly solemn under the sermon preached by 
Brother Ball. His remarks on faithfulness were quite touching. May 
my diligence and fidelity in my ministerial work be increased from this 
time ! May I watch for souls as one that must give account ! and may I 
seek to improve every day in some useful way ! 

February 15. The relations by which we are bound to our fellow-men 
are often sources of the most exquisite distress. Last night I heard of 
my mother having been very ill, and of her partial recovery. I am 
sure she is in the hands of infinite Love, or I should be exceedingly 
anxious and distressed on her account. When I read the letter a thou- 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 59 

sand painful, pleasing recollections rushed upon my mind. The feelingsi 
of my childhood, the waywardness of my growing years, and all the 
tender solicitude of my dear mother passed through my thoughts, and 
left a thrill of soul which is indescribable. May the Lord bless my 
parents with his grace here, and with the plenitude of the heavenly 
world, for Jesus' sake ! 

[To his Father.] 

Richmond, February 18, 1827. 
I have just returned from a meeting on the Basin, a part of the city 
much devoted to wickedness. Some seriousness prevailed among the 
people, which is encouraging. These meetings are kept up every week 
by Baptists and Presbyterians, and will, I think, be abundantly useful. 
This afternoon I attended the senior Bible-class, the exercises of whicli 
are very interesting. I attend to two classes every week, each class con- 
taining about twenty persons. These, with prayer-meetings, visiting my 
people, and preparing my discourses for the pnlpit, you may be sure, 
keep me busily employed ; and I am very much encouraged to hope that 
I am not laboring in vain. I feel assured that God is able to make use 
of me and my poor efforts to promote his glory. His promises are sure ; 
and I do think, though there is much in me and my endeavors of which 
I should be ashamed, that I desire to live for Christ, and glorify his 
name by building up his people and leading sinners to the knowledge 
of his ways. I confess I am often discouraged. When I look at the 
station I occupy, I am filled with fear and trembling lest I am not 
qualified to teach and lead my brethren. "Who is sufficient for these 
things ?" I am surrounded by many who are well instructed in divine 
things, and who have been accustomed to the very best kind of preaching, 
while, on the other hand, I am looked up to by many who are but babes 
in Christ. These things often fill me with fear lest I am not in my 
proper sphere of labor. But there are other considerations which en- 
courage me to go on with zeal and liveliness in the good work. I have 
a praying, united people around me, who hold up my hands, and to 
whom I am most tenderly attached. 

[Letter from J. B. Jeter to J. B. Taylor,] 

Campbell, March 30, 1827. 
.... I expect to be in Richmond on the Saturday night before tlie 
fifth Lord's Day in April, on my way to the Northern Neck. I sh.all 
remain in E. until Monday morning ; so you may, if you think proper, 
have some appointments for me. It seems generally like a hopeless at- 
tempt for me to preach in the city, yet the Lord can enable even me to 
do good there. If I were as wise as Solomon, as bold as Peter, as faith- 



60 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

ful as Paul, as affectionate as John, and as eloquent as Apollos, I could, 

without God's special blessing, do no good I wish to influence 

you, if possible, to go with me to the Northern Neck. Brother Witt 
promised to accompany me, but he has determined go through Spottsyl- 
vania. The brethren would rejoice to see you, and I need not tell you it 
would afford me very great delight to have you with me. I have no 
doubt but that it will be a material advantage to you to go occasionally 
into the country. Here you can breathe the pure air, behold the beau- 
ties and wonders of Nature, hear the music of the groves, and lay aside 
the shackles of city formalities. You know not how much good you 
would do. We should have good congregations. May the Lord incline 
your heart to go ! 

I imagine to myself that you have become quite a great preacher. 
Situated in the metropolis of the State, at the fountain of polite know- 
ledge, having intelligent companions, recourse to many books, everything 
to make you diligent in studying, you have improved, I expect, consid- 
erably. Ah ! some of these things are very unfavorable to a minister's 
spirituality and usefulness. Situated as you are, you will find many 
things to excite pride, vain-glory, self-confidence, and levity. You have 
need to be much on your guard. The heart is deceitful. Evil will 
spring up and flourish many times before we are aware. But wait on the 
Lord ; endeavor to have a deep sense of your nothingness ; learn wisdom 
at the feet of revelation ; compare your attainments in holiness and 
spiritual knowledge with those of Newton, Dwight, and Braiperd, John, 
Peter, and Paul. I make free with you because I love you. 

Ah ! I wish that I, an obscure individual in an obscure part of the 
world, with little knowledge, less piety, and almost, to human view, un- 
profitable, were not affected by the evils against which I warn you. With 
all my ignorance, wickedness, nothingness, and unprofitableness, I am 
strangely prone to those evils. 

[From his Diary.] 
1828, April 23. This day a beloved friend left the city to be absent some 
two or three months. Last night we had an interesting interview, and 
enjoyed much pleasure in conversing on divine things. How does the 
religion of Jesus soften and refine the affections ! It heightens and puri- 
nes the enjoyment of friendship, since attachment to Jesus assimilates 
the dispositions and imparts a oneness of taste. For the happiness of the 
individual from whom I have just parted I feel a deep Solicitude, and 
liave every reason to believe this feeling is reciprocated. I anticipate 
vrith pleasure the time when this union of hearts will be more perfectly 
cemented — when together we shall enjoy the Saviour and together strive 
for usefulness in his church. May usefulness be the leading principle of 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 61 

my life, and may I bring everything else into conformity to the glory of 
God ! Let me not calculate too much on enjoyment springing from the 
social relations of life, but let me make the everlasting God my portion 
and my joy. Let me look up to him as a pure and exhaustless fountain 
of good, and in every step I take seek to be directed by his all-wise coun- 
sel. Then shall I be stable amidst the disappointments of life, and 
cheerful in the discharge of my duty as a Christian and a minister. 

1828, April 27. Many are the indiscretions of which the young are 
guilty in judgment, feeling, and practice. In relation to myself, I look 
back with painful regret on my past life, that so much of it has been 
spent in worse than busy trifling. Not only in regard to the formation 
of my moral character, but in the improvement of my mind, I have 
reason to deplore my neglect and inattention. I can now see that when 
I commenced the ministry I should have bent my attention to the secur- 
ing of valuable information, instead of devoting all my time to the in- 
struction of others. But it is not too late to accomplish something in this 
matter. I will now apply myself with as much industry as the duties of 
^piy vocation will permit. And oh that I may do all in view of eternity, 
and in scrupulous regard to my usefulness as a minister of Jesus Christ ! 

[To his Father.] 

KiCHMOXD, April 29, 1828. 
My health is still exceedingly good, perhaps increasingly so, owing in 
some measure to the regularity of my habits under the blessing of God. 
I rise very early, and with my Latin grammar I walk out in the fields 
to enjoy the freshness of the morning breeze. About seven o'clock I 
return and breakfast, after which I apply myself to close reading and 
writing until about eleven, when I visit until one ; at half-past one I 
dine, sit in my room an hour or two, and again visit until night. Thus 
I have some good degree of enjoyment in the discharge of my duty, 
though sometimes given to depression of spirits. 

[From Ms Diary.] 

October 18. To-day destroyed a large number of papers, the product 
of my more juvenile years. In taking a retrospect of the time which has 
elapsed f?ince I entered upon life's busy scenes, I see much reason for 
gratitude and humiliation. The Lord has emphatically led me by a 
way which I knew not, and in paths which I have not known. " Surely 
goodness and mercy have followed me all my days, and I will dwell in 
the house of the Lord for ever." 

October 30. This day is an important era in the history of my life, 
and one of the happiest I have ever known. This evening I expect to 
be united in marriage to the object of my best aflfections, and I can look 
6 



02 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

forward with calmness and reliance on the providence of God, knowing 
that he can supply all my need and make this connection a blessing to 
us both and to all around us. In the good sense, prudence, and piety of 
ray dear Mary I have the most unwavering confidence, and the highest 
satisfaction in looking back on the course we have pursued for the last 
twelve months in relation to our expected union. I liave reason, how- 
ever, to distrust my own vile heart, and to fear I shall be the instrument, 
in the indulgence of idolatry, of bringing down the chastising hand of 
the Lord on my dear partner. 

November 8, Saturday night. Another week has gone, and with it a 
solemn account of the manner in which I have improved my privileges, 
which is registered in the book of God's remembrance. I have been ex- 
ceedingly busy the whole week in attending meetings of difierent kinds 
and making pastoral visits, and hope my labors will not be in vain. I 
want to be more faithful in the discharge of my duty as an overseer over 
the church of God. I must try to acquire such a temper as will lead me 
to speak plainly and in the fear of God to the people of my charge re- 
specting everything in which I may conceive they err from the truth. 

November 27, Thursday. It is four weeks to-day since I was married. 
In this connection the Lord has blessed me beyond measure. My dear 
companion possesses, I think, much of the spirit of Christ, and is every 
way qualified to enlarge my usefulness. I have reason to believe that 
our dispositions are in a good degree the same, yet there is necessity of 
watchfulness, prayer, and dependence on God to fit us for all trials and 
vexations of life. I am determined, in the strength of God, to avoid 
everything which shall have a tendency to mar our peace and useful- 
ness. I will endeavor to administer to all the wants and alleviate all 
the sorrows of my dear Mary. I will seek to control my temper under 
all circumstances, subduing fretfulness, anger, and impatience, that she 
may thereby be rendered happy in committing her earthly destinies to 
my hands. I will strive to please and cheer her, and above all to pro- 
mote her spiritual welfare. O Lord, direct and support me in doing 
thy will in all the relations of life, for the Redeemer's sake ! Amen. 

December 27. Just returned from a preaching-excursion of ten days, 
during which I have preached seven times and procured ten subscribers 
for the Herald. 

December 30. Yesterday and to-day, besides attending to my studies, 
I have visited in a pastoral way about fifteen families. I find that 
peculiar qualities are needed in filling the station of an overseer over the 
church of Jesus. There is required much patience and long-suflfering to 
bear with the numberless infirmities of Christians, much affection and 
concern for their spiritual welfare to enable one to ascertain the state of 
their feelings, and much faithfulness and decision to reprove, rebuke, and 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 63 

warn as circumstances may require. A pastor must be willing to suffer 
reproach, to have his motives suspected, and to deny himself frequently, 
if he would succeed in building up the church of God. O Lord, en- 
lighten, dire'ct, guide, and prosper me in my pastoral relation, and thine 
shall be the praise. 

From the foregoing it appears that he found the church ripe 
for a revival. The first six months were a season of ingather- 
ing, sixty persons being added by baptism. These additions 
imposed new and important responsibilities upon the pastor. 
He never for a moment yielded to the idea that, having bap- 
tized these persons and introduced them into the church, his 
duty was done. On the contrary, he rather regarded them as 
scholars to be taught in the gospel, and as new recruits to be 
transformed, by training, into well-drilled soldiers. Every 
pastor knows the strong tendency for both minister and church 
to relapse, after a season of revival, into a state of indifference ; 
and it is a matter of grief how often young converts are en- 
tirely neglected by those who should care for them. It is 
therefore interesting and instructive to read the following ex- 
tract from a letter written by him to his father, May 31, 1827 : 

" I think the work is over in Richmond I have just 

established a meeting of inquiry, to be attended by all the 
members of the church and such as may be interested in the 
matter of religion, at which time the deacons and myself ques- 
tion each one present on the state of his mind, and administer 
such comfort or reproof or instruction as may be necessary. 
The principal object attained in these meetings is having an 
opportunity of conversing familiarly with those who are too 
busily employed in the week to admit of my seeing them. Our 
last two meetings were very pleasant." 

Pursuing a course like this, he is able to write, months after 
a revival, " The prospects of our church are very flattering. 
Without a single exception, so far as I know, our members 
who joined last summer are steadfast and growing Christians. 
The most perfect love and harmony prevail." 

Like Luther Rice, he regarded the conversion of a soul in 
its relations to the interests of Christ's kingdom at large. It 



64 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

was not only to be brought to the highest personal develop- 
ment, but made as efficient as possible in leading yet other 
souls to Christ and pushing still onward the Redeemer's cause. 
To secure these objects the church was thoroughly organized 
into Bible-classes for the study of God's word, and into various 
societies and meetings for developing both the liberality and 
the activity of the members. Of these enterprises the pastor 
was the planning, moving, guiding spirit. In the language of 
Mr. Chambliss, " The efforts of Mr. Taylor extended to every 
department of Christian work, and the happy results rapidly 
appeared. In the first year of his ministry about sixty were 
added to the church. In the second and thenceforward we 
find evidences of greatly-increased prosperity in the Sunday- 
school ; and the missionary spirit grew so rapidly that in one 
year about twenty-five hundred dollars were contributed to 
foreign missions. In 1829 the Dorcas Society of the church 
raised twelve hundred dollars for the payment of the church 
debt, and by January, 1830, that debt was nearly extinguished. 
But the ' times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord ' 
which occurred during this pastorate were perhaps its most 
remarkable features." Some of these seasons will be more par- 
ticularly referred to in the following pages. 

But, while so earnest and successful a pastor, he did not 
restrict his labors to his own church. On the contrary, he 
from the first threw himself heartily into those general enter- 
prises which had for their object the welfare of Zion. Before 
the days of colporteurs he was himself not only a colporteur, 
but also a depositary, and from a large bookcase in his house, 
stored with the issues of the Baptist General Tract Society and 
w^ith other valuable publications, orders were filled and pack- 
ages sent all over the State. In his files are numerous letters 
from Ira M. Allen, the General Agent, and long accounts of 
his own sales. Committees and Boards, too, claimed much 
time and labor, which Avere cheerfully given. 

During this period he also maintained quite an extensive 
correspondence — first, with his brethren in Virginia, and sub- 
sequently with many of the prominent ministers in all parts 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOE. 65 

of the country. In part these letters were the expression of 
Christian friendship, but they were mostly on business of one 
kind or another connected with the general interests of the 
cause of Christ. Of his own epistles to his brethren none seem 
to have survived, but theirs to him are still found carefully 
preserved in his files ; and from these last a few extracts are 
given in these pages, as throwing light upon his " times " and 
his relations to his contemporaries, as well as affording pleasing 
glimpses of the characters of the writers in their youthful days. 
Despite, however, of the labors imposed by seasons of in- 
gathering, by these Bible-classes and mission societies, these 
Boards and committees, this tract distribution and correspond- 
ence, he was yet a student — not, indeed, in the sense of one seek- 
ing to be a scholar in the fullest acceptation of that word, but 
trying so to enrich and train his mind as to qualify himself to 
be a sound and instructive teacher of the oracles of God. In 
attempting this he pursued a somewhat systematic course of 
theological reading, besides attending to studies having a gen- 
eral bearing upon his work. It is affecting to see him hammer- 
ing away on his logic and Latin and Greek, anxious to learn 
enough to be able to translate, dej^loring his want of better 
opportunities, but cheerfully trying to improve those he pos- 
sessed. His first available funds seem to have been devoted to 
a subscription of twenty-five dollars to Columbian College, and 
to the purchase, for his own use, of the library of Elder David 
Roper, which was, for that time, a large and well-selected 
one, embracing the principal commentators, several of the old 
divines, and some of the standard works of theology and church 
history. Subsequently, he from time to time added to this col- 
lection, specially supplying his family liberally with the best 
reading-matter. Indeed, books and contributions to benevo- 
lent objects were items in respect to which he was not econom- 
ical. The columns of the Herald and his manuscripts also 
show that he was already diligent, not only in reading, but in 
the use of his pen. While he seldom wrote out his sermons, 
but only made pretty full notes, he did write exegeses and 
reviews, and discussed " living questions," thus not only accom- 
6* E 



QG LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

plishing somewhat at the time, but preparing for the author- 
ship to which he afterward addressed himself. It will be re- 
membered that his articles in the Columbian Star had exercised 
potential influence in convincing those concerned that he was 
the man for the pastorate of the Second Church ; and now some 
pieces from his pen, though anonymous, were exciting atten- 
tion and calling forth replies from distant States. In one in- 
stance he wrote to a friend that these critics had misappre- 
hended his meaning, and added quietly that he would in due 
time explain. He was an active and punctual member of the 
"ministers' meeting," which served both as a bond of union 
among a number of ministers living wdthin fifty or a hundred 
miles of Richmond, and must also have been very useful in 
stimulating them to mental activity, as similar institutions are 
now. He was for some time the secretary, and from the re- 
cord-book it would seem that the meeting was maintained with 
much spirit and efficiency. 

To do all that he did required system. We have heard the 
maxim, "One should not tie himself up, but leave himself free 
to do as he pleases hour by hour, and be governed by every 
new development." For a pleasure-trip there could hardly be 
a better rule — that is, to have no rule — and the same is true 
for a life which is only a somewhat longer pleasure-trip ; but 
if one w^ishes to fill up his hours to the greatest advantage, he 
must have a very rigid system, and then adhere very rigidly 
to it. He must have an hour for everything, and do every- 
thing in its hour. Mr. Taylor recognized this. In the first 
entry in his diary after settling in Richmond are these sen- 
tences : " How shall I apportion my time so as to be useful 
and discharge my duty? This is a question of infinite mo- 
ment. May I be directed by infinite AVisdom !" In another 
place is a sort of schedule for a month, with a space for every 
day, and also one for the morning, noon, and evening of each 
day, with the duty, '^vhether public or private, indicated for 
each division of each day. He was no doubt often interrupted, 
but this was the plan by which he was seeking to work. 

The amount of labor he performed, both at that period and 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 67 

afterward, is the more remarkable from the fact that he was 
all his life, and especially in his early manhood, of very deli- 
cate constitution, and subject to rather frequent attacks of 
sickness. On this account he seems to have thought much, 
though not at all morbidly, of the probability of an early 
death, and once or twice to have been almost at the point of 
retiring from his pastorate in the city and seeking a position 
involving less work and care. A lady who was a member of 
his congregation during his fir^t years in Richmond describes 
him as exceedingly delicate during much of that time, and 
tells how he would sometimes stop at her father's house on 
Sunday morning after preaching, too much exhausted to walk 
home without resting. And yet he seldom failed to preach 
three times on Sunday, and nearly as often during the week. 
His excellent family physician would encourage him, in his 
feebleness and despondency, by telling him he had "an im- 
proving constitution." This proved to be true. He was also 
very regular in his habits, careful to take open-air exercise, 
and, without being squeamish, was rather particular in his 
diet, generally preferring stale bread, of which he became 
fond. In fact, he observed scrupulously all the laws of health, 
except that he always probably overworked himself. It was 
not in his nature to see work before him and not do it, and 
do it thoroughly. And yet, even in overworking himself, he 
suffered the minimum of evil from it, because he worked 
quietly and without unnecessary expenditure of vital energy. 
Thus, while it is probable that he abridged his life several 
years by excessive toil, he yet by the course referred to lived, 
notwithstanding his early feebleness, nearly to threescore years 
and ten — a fact which should both instruct and encourage any 
young minister whose condition may be similar to what his was. 
The following extracts are from letters of R. Ryland to 

J. B. Taylor : 

Lynchburg, February 27, 1828. 

Your favor was gratefully received by our esteemed Brother Crane. 

It has been my design for some time to write to you, but when my 

necessary writing is done my breast generally admonishes me to cease. 

It would seem cold and formal to tell you that I highly appreciate 



68 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

a correspondence and acquaintance with yourself.* Young Baptist 
preachers ought to love one another so fervently as not to need such 
assertions, but it is really one of the purest and most abundant of my 
pleasures to associate with a fellow-laborer in Christ — one who under- 
stands me exactly, and whose dialect is peculiar to my ear. With such 
a one I am at once perfectly acquainted ; I seem perhaps too easily to 
mingle with him and to receive a new impulse from his conversations. 

Would that I could state the same exercise of mind on private ex- 
perience as you have ! There has been a great declension in my personal 
feelings since I left the college. The causes are several. I am more in 
contact with the world and under stronger and more frequent tempta- 
tions; I am not so regular in my life. Having to visit and receive 
visits, to read a little, and then change my work immediately, these 
things do and will break into my devotional habits. When I go to a 
social meeting the anxiety incident to conducting it is of a deadening 
influence. I often feel as if I go to help others pray, while my poor 
heart (more in need than any others) must wait till I can get by myself. 
I read the Bible, too, for other people, but once such exercises were 
peculiarly assisting to me. After preaching on the Sabbath the fatigue 
and distraction of spirit caused by it prevent me from cultivating that 
lively devotion so desirable. I am thinking over the sermon and cor- 
recting it. 

.... When I go home to collect the college-money I have some idea 
of getting you to attend in my place for a fortnight. I could preach for 
you once a Sabbath and perhaps twice. This would be an inequality 
in point of labor, but it might be good for your health — a consideration 
more important than I fear you regard it. In the event we should make 
this change, we shall both feel perhaps like a minister cnce in a like 
situation. "If," said he to his substitute, "you preach bette.^ than myself, 
I shall tremble for my popularity with my folks ; if you are inferior to 
me, I shall dislike to employ you in my stead." No matter what may 
be the cause, the fact is, that when any one preaches for me I wish him 
to try his very best. Nothing is too good for my congregation. 

RiCHMOKD, June 12, 1828. 
.... Your folks are almost at freezing-point, and I fear if you don't 
hasten homeward they will get below it. However, if you are melting 
mine, I am glad. I have not succeeded in preaching one tolerable sermon 

* Under another date lie writes: "Your valued favor arrived yesterday 
while I was attending an appointment in the country, and its perusal has been 
deeply interesting to me. Some parts have been read over and over again, 
and all more than once. I sometimes get into the fogs so deeply that nothing 
will help me out but a good letter, and yours always prove antifogmatic." 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 69 

yet ; and I'm fearful that's not all. I have been harassed with a kind of 
foolish fear that the change was not acceptable to your church. Not 
that I have discovered the least indication of discontentment in any 
member of the church, but a consciousness of your superior qualifica- 
tions for the pulpit and private circle has induced this fear. I call it 
foolish, because if my mind were properly exercised it would not meddle 
with any such peculiar notions. I should hold up the glorious Son of 
God with fearless power, regardless of the estimation of mortals 

Saturday Morning. Last night the rain prevented me from attending 
the prayer-meeting, and your letter was handed me after I was in bed. 
Its perusal animated me so that sleep had almost been banished from 
me. I do rejoice at your usefulness among my beloved people, and I 
have prayed to almighty God to arm you with the armor of the gospel. 
The rigid prescriptions I gave you were the result not of a fear of your 
faithfulness and industry, but of deep anxiety for your usefulness ; and 
now, if I thought your place was properly filled, it would complete 
my joy. 

Sister Moseley's letter gave me the intelligence of the death of a 
member of my Bible-class, which has filled me with awfulness. Visit 
the branches of that family. It often causes me to review my life to 
hear of the death of a hearer. What does she now think of my sermons, 
prayers, and conversation ? . . . . 

Lynchburg, August 7, 1828. 

I have just returned from a pleasant excursion into Prince Edward, 
on a visit to our beloved Brother Witt. He is recovering from a six- 
weeks' spell of fever, having been reduced to the very image of death, 
and almost to his end. He now walks his room, rides in good weather, 
eats every two hours punctually, and is in a fair way to get well if he 
does not relapse. He is in an excellent frame of mind, and says for two 
days during his illness "his soul was stormed with pleasure." Oh what 
a loss would his death have been to the churches ! . . . . 

I received a letter yesterday from-Brother Semple. He urges me very 
hard to act as agent for the college through Virginia — i. e.y between 
tidewater and the mountains. Riding would be useful, but I cannot 
think of leaving Lynchburg. Besides, this State is empty of money. 
Rice and others have gone through and through. Oh that college gives 
me the vapors! Tell me what shall I do. Brother Semple will not let 
me alone. Oh that I had one thousand dollars ! They should stop his 
importimities. But what must I do ? 

Lynchburg, October 24, 1828. 
There are several persons halting between baptism and circumcision. 
(Dear me ! how tired I am of the Abrahamic covenant !) Our house 



70 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

goes on as fast as we can desire. The walls are up about five feet above 
the floor. I am more anxious about paying for it than completing it. It 
is a very inexpedient measure to go in debt, and we have not quite twelve 
hundred dollars subscribed — a sum little more than sufficient to pay for 

the brick-work I have no doubt that in three years from this time 

our house will be finished, and when this object shall have been accom- 
plished I shall feel at liberty to resign my pastorship of this church into 
better hands. By that time, if not before, I shall have utterly exhausted 
my meagre stock of divinity, and I shudder at the idea of outliving my 
usefulness in any place, or of being worn out and reduced to the necessity 
of going round in the same old track. Wesley said he would make any 
congregation tired of him in two years. The remark is worth the atten- 
tion of many Baptist ministers. I hope you had a pleasant time of it at 
Grafton. I wish you would go on a preaching-excursion to Hampton. / 
think a minister ought to he occasionally absent from his people. They will 
learn to appreciate him when present. Last evening I enjoyed myself more 
than common while preaching from Phil. iii. 18, first clause. It does 
appear to me that amid all my sins and doubts I love to preach about 

Jesus 

Lynchburg, November 6, 1828. 
.... Your kind letter gave me much pleasure this evening, and ex- 
cited several singular emotions. I am often a subject of reflections diflS- 
cult to he named. They are not joyous, not grievous. I like to indulge 
them, and yet they may be termed melancholy. They are far from being 
religious, and yet not hostile to religion. You would tell me a remedy 
can be found in that condition to which Byron referred when he sung — 

" 'Tis sweet to hear the watchdog's honest bark 

Bay deep-moutlied welcome as we draw near home; 
'Tis sweet to know there is an eye will mark 
Our cominrj, and look brighter when ice come." 

.... Oh, I forgot to mention the subject of exchange. When can you 
come up and preach again for us ? The ladies are not so anxious wow as 
they once were, but I am equally so. Can you not come ? 

On the 30th of October, 1828, Mr. Taylor was married to 
Miss Mary Williams * of Beverly, Massachusetts, but who was 
at that time making her home with her sister in Richmond. 
She was truly a helpmeet for him, earnestly co-operating with 
him in all his labors, and bearing cheerfully the trials incident 

* She was the daughter of Elisha Williams, who was a Revolutionary soldier 
and aid of Washington, and subsequently a very laborious and useful Baptist 
minister. Vide Sprague's "Annals" for his biography. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 71 

to her position. Specially did she always bid him Godspeed 
when duty called him from home, sometimes, indeed, choosing 
alone to nurse her sick children rather than detain him from 
his Master's work. More than this may not be said, as she 
still survives; less could not be in justice to truth. 

The gentleman of whose family she was an inmate before her 
marriage, and who is now among the oldest citizens of Rich- 
mond, says that Mr. Taylor was a model of clerical propriety 
and prudence, never in his intercourse with young ladies or in 
his courtship doing or saying anything that could excite re- 
mark, much less criticism. From various allusions in his diary 
and in his letters to his father it is evident that though his 
natural feelings were deeply enlisted, he acted in the whole 
matter with supreme regard to the divine will, and earnestly 
seeking for the divine guidance and blessing. Thus acknow- 
ledging God, he experienced the fulfillment of the promise, and 
in this important particular eminently enjoyed the divine 
guidance and blessing. Few men were ever more domestic 
in taste than he was, or enjoyed more domestic felicity than fell 
to his lot. The following lines from his pen, composed while 
absent on a preaching-tour, expressed the real sentiment of his 

heart : 

Home has a sweet, a pure, and holy charm, 

Which binds my heart when duty bids me go 
To sound in sinners' ears the dread alarm. 

Or point to Christ, whence grace and pardon flow. 

Sweet home! how swells my joyful heart 

At thought of thee, now duty's work is o'er ! 

Though transient pain was felt from thee to part, 
Now I can prize thee better than before. 

My Mary I sweet companion of my days, 

And thou, dear babe, the pledge of earliest love I 

Soon shall we meet to offer up our praise 

To him whose goodness all our days do prove. 

How poor, how wretched he who has no home, 
No wife to welcome, and no friends to greet, 

Compelled alone, unblessed through life, to roam, 
And unassisted all its toils to meet ! 



72 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

But doubly wretched he who seeks to gain 
An earthly home and has no Friend on high ; 

Mine be the bliss and effort to attain 

On earth a home, and one above the sky. 

Here it may be appropriate to refer to the manner in which, 
from the beginning, he managed his fiscal affairs. In the fly- 
leaf of his account-book for 1828 is the following language, 
with his signature appended : " Much disgrace has been at- 
tached to the character of ministers and to the cause of God in 
the management of their financial concerns. May I be so di- 
rected by the Spirit of God in this thing that he may thereby 
be glorified and his blessed cause promoted !" About the time 
of his marriage he wrote to his father : " We have both deter- 
mined to pursue a course of the most rigid economy, and to buy 
nothing which we can dispense with, and especially to avoid 
involving ourselves in debt." A few months later he says : 
" My means of support for the present will not be enlarged, as 
there is some expectation of paying off part of the church debt 
and building galleries to the meeting-house. However, with 
economy and the blessing of God, we shall no doubt do well. 
.... I do not wish to consider this world my home, and 
having food and raiment, I desire to be content. I have de- 
termined to owe no man anything, if I have to make one room 
my dwelling, be my own servant, and live on crackers and 
milk. This is a determination which Mary wishes to adhere 
to as much as I do." The pursuit of the course thus indicated, 
adopted from no desire to secure worldly wealth, but simply to 
avoid offence and promote his ministerial usefulness, really lay 
at the foundation of any pecuniary prosperity he may have 
enjoyed. Determined to live within his income and lay by a 
little for a time of need, though from the first his hand was 
open — his friends thought too open — to every call of benevo- 
lence, he in the course of six or eight years had saved a few 
hundreds, and by his prudence and economy and exactness in 
business had secured a credit good for any amount he might 
need. This enabled him to improve an opportunity to buy on 
very favorable terms a pleasant home, where he reared his 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 73 

family, and which subsequently, by enhancement in value, be- 
came the beginning of a comfortable estate. 

When Mr. Taylor went to Richmond, Elder John Kerr was 
the pastor of the First Baptist Church, and was a most power- 
ful and popular preacher. He naturally sympathized with the 
feeling of his church toward the new body, and was at first dis- 
posed to treat the young pastor a little cavalierly. The latter 
determined to pursue, and did pursue, a meek and uncomplain- 
ing, but at the same time straightforward and independent, 
course. This, in time, won the respect and admiration of his 
senior, and their subsequent relations were of the most pleasing 
character. Moreover, the pastors thus agreeiDg, the two churches 
soon came to understand and love each other ; and ever since 
the Baptist churches and pastors of Richmond have been re- 
markable for their mutual love and hearty co-operation. 

After Mr. Kerr's resignation in 1833, the First Church had 
for two years the services of Elder Isaac T. Hinton, a man of 
fine ability and culture and of warm and genial disposition. 
With him Mr. Taylor enjoyed a close and delightful intimacy. 
"For many months they were together, by turns, at each 
other's breakfast-table, and in the full exercise of mutual sym- 
pathy were accustomed to bow together at the throne of the 
heavenly grace. Those were seasons never to be forgotten." * 
And when, after leaving Richmond, Mr. Hinton was in trouble 
and his heart sore from misrepresentations, it was into Mr. 
Taylor's sympathizing ear that he freely poured the story of 
his sorrows. 

With the Pedobaptist ministers of Richmond, Mr. Taylor 
from the first maintained pleasant, and with some of them 
rather intimate, relations. When he settled in Richmond, Dr. 
William J. Armstrong, afterward so well known as Correspond- 
ing Secretary of the American Board of Commissioners for 
Foreign Missions and for his melancholy death, was the loved 
pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, which he continued 

* Slightly altered from a glowing and beautiful tribute written by Mr. 
Taylor for Sprague's "Annals of the American Baptist Pulpit." Vide 
page 609. 
7 



74 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

to be for several years. He believed in revivals of religion, 
and was himself full of fire, though free from extravagance. 
He frequently attended the Baptist meetings, and was quite 
willing either to exchange pulpits with his Baptist brother or 
in any practical way co-operate with him. Mr. Stephen Tay- 
lor and Dr. Stiles, who were successively pastors of the United 
Presbyterian Church, were men of kindred spirit and pursued 
a similar course. On one occasion we find the last named 
writing to the pastor of the Second Baptist Church, saying 
that he was in some trouble with a dancing element in his con- 
gregation, and asking an expression from him which might aid 
in forming a correct public sentiment on the subject. Dr. 
Plumer, who succeeded Dr. Armstrong, was accustomed to say 
that Mr. Taylor was the man of all others whom he would 
wish to have with him in the dying hour. Mr. Taylor also 
enjoyed the friendship of the venerable Bishop Moore. That 
distinguished prelate once assured him of his conviction of the 
consistency of the Baptist position upon the communion ques- 
tion, and related an incident in his own experience illustrating 
the position. Mr. Taylor has given the incident in his little 
work on "Eestricted Communion." 

The courteous and Christian intercourse which is above re- 
ferred to as subsisting between Mr. Taylor and his ministerial 
associates was the more remarkable, as well as the more credit- 
able to all concerned, in that it was not interrupted, although 
he was not seldom called upon to baptize and welcome to his 
church persons who had been connected with the Pedobaptist 
churches of the city. 

Very soon after settling in Richmond, Mr. Taylor mani- 
fested a disposition, which was ever afterward characteristic 
of him, to labor not only in his own immediate field, but 
wherever, in regions near or remote, the way seemed opened 
for him to be effective in the Master's service. Perhaps, indeed, 
the case may be more strongly stated, for the motto of many 
of the men of his time might well have been, " I will find a 
way or make one ;" certainly he and they often acted upon it. 
From what has already appeared in these pages, and from 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 75 

v/hat may still appear, it will be evident that he by no means 
neglected his own people. But he always held that a pastor 
did not belong to his own church alone, but to the cause of 
Christ ; and he was strongly impressed with the conviction 
both that it behooved pastors occupying centres of influence to 
make themselves felt in the surrounding country, and that in 
so doing they also trained their churches to cherish compre- 
hensive views and generous sympathy in reference to the gen- 
eral interests of Christ's kingdom. Baron Humboldt is repre- 
sented to have said to Agassiz, when the latter came to this 
country, " You do not belong to Germany ; you do not belong 
to Europe ; you belong to Science." So the subject of this 
Memoir felt about himself and his brethren ; he and they 
belonged not to the Second Church, not to Richmond, not even 
to Virginia, but to Jesus Christ. It should be added to the 
foregoing statements that protracted meetings, as now held, 
were then unknown, so that labors such as have been described 
were necessarily more spontaneous on the part of ministers, 
who would often of their own motion (and no doubt also 
moved by the Holy Ghost, as was Philip, Acts viii. 26) send 
out their appointments and preach wherever there seemed to 
be a prospect of doing good — now at churches, now at school- 
houses, and perhaps quite as often at private dwellings. Ac- 
cordiugly, we find him, soon after coming to Richmond, not 
only fostering mission-stations in the suburbs, and laboring in 
the immediate vicinity of the city, but striking out, first into 
the adjoining counties, and then into districts farther removed. 
Besides preaching, he would secure subscribers to the Relig- 
ious Herald, then in its early and feeble existence, circulate 
religious books, originate and foster Sunday-schools, and seek 
to awaken an interest in the cause of missions. These trips 
were very delightful to him. To some extent they were a 
recreation, for they afibrded a change ; and through life work 
for Jesus was so congenial to him that it did not tax him as it 
might otherwise have done. They were also useful in that 
they extended his acquaintance and promoted his personal in- 
fluence w^ith the brotherhood, thus preparing him for the more 



76 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

successful execution of certain important public labors that 
were soon to be devolved upon him. Moreover, indirectly 
they benefited his own church in another way besides that 
already hinted ; for persons becoming attached to him would, 
on removing to Richmond, naturally seek him out and attend 
his ministry, and, if Baptists, identify themselves with his 
church. It is eminently desirable for a town church to have 
a " back country " from which to draw new material ; and 
this " back country " should not be overlooked by the town 
pastor. In some cases persons, and especially young men, 
converted by his itinerant sermons, afterward became his 
eflTective coadjutors in Richmond. One very striking instance 
of this I will mention in detail. 

A few months ago, spending a Sabbath in th-e city of New 
York, I called upon a gentleman whom I had known in my 
childhood as a member of the Second Baptist Church, Rich- 
mond. Among other topics my father's early ministry was 
referred to, when my friend made the following statement : " I 
well remember the first time I ever saw him. I was living 
about fifty miles from Richmond, and was an apprentice-boy. 
Coming into the village one evening, I saw a notice that Rev. 
Mr. Taylor would preach at candlelight. I can hardly tell why, 
but I was much excited at the notice, and was seized with such 
a desire to attend and hear the strange preacher that I ran all 
the way home, perhaps a mile, to ask permission of my em- 
ployer. I reached the dwelling breathless, and cried : ' Rev. 
Mr. Taylor of Richmond will preach at candlelight ; may I go 
to hear him?' The permission was given. I remember my 
employer thought that the preacher must be Rev. Stephen Tay- 
lor, then a Presbyterian pastor in Richmond, as your father 
had not become known in our neighborhood. But I found out 
that it was Rev. James B. Taylor, the Baptist minister ; and, 
what is more, his sermon that night was the beginning of my 
becoming a Christian." And, what is still more, that appren- 
tice-boy removed to Richmond, became a wealthy man, and one 
of the most liberal and efficient members of the Second Church, 
as his son is at this day. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 77 

. In other instances the visits of Mr. Taylor to neighborhoods 
"where Baptist sentiments had not been prevalent were largely 
influential in introducing them or causing them to prevail. 
This was especially the case in a community not far from Rich- 
mond where he early began to operate. 

There were also not a few cases in which his conversation 
was sanctified to the spiritual welfare of persons with whom he 
W'as thrown either on the road or in the family circle. One of 
the entries from his diary is as follows: "Called on Mrs. P.,* 
and heard the pleasing news that her daughter Hardinia, who 
died March 6, for some weeks before her departure indulged 
a triumphant hope in Christ. She left a special message for 
me, thanking me for some admonition given some months since, 

which she said had been sanctified to her spiritual good 

The Lord be thanked for his goodness to me, an unworthy 
worm, in blessing my labors, and to her in plucking her as a 
brand from the burning !" 

Another incident, which has been communicated to me since 
his death, belongs to this period of his ministry. He was trav- 
eling in North Carolina, and had occasion to ride some distance 
in a buggy with an irreligious young man. He pressed upon 
him the claims of the Saviour, and finally proposed that they 
should stop and retire to the woods for prayer. It was done. 
Afterward the young man became a Christian, and made a 
journey to Richmond to see and thank the friend who had 
shown such solicitude for his salvation. 

Were it necessary, details might be given of his evangelistic 
labors, such as miles traveled, books sold, subscribers to relig- 
ious periodicals secured, sermons preached, and candidates bap- 
tized; but perhaps such statistics would not be interesting, and 
moreover, while it is sometimes said, "Figures do not lie," they 
often give an inadequate if not an erroneous conception of what 
is done. Certainly, ^j^wres can never set forth the spirit in 
which a man labors, nor that mighty but unconscious influence 
which a truly good man exerts by his example and conversa- 
tion and manner wherever he goes. Nor can any but the all- 

"*A lady residing in the country. 
7* 



78 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

seeing One ever know the private conversation and words of 
truth dropped like good seed here and there by one who has 
made "usefulness the regulating principle of his life." After 
all, interesting as any man's life may be if tolerably well told, 
it is only the shell of the life that we get. But it is consoling 
to remember that a saint has his " record on high," and possi- 
bly biographical studies may engage us " on high," when, more 
than now, we may look beneath the mere surface of things. 

It is, however, right to remember, in contemplating the itin- 
erant labors of a minister in that period, how very different the 
facilities of locomotion were then from what they are now. At 
the present day it is quite easy to seat one's self in a rail-car at 
E-ichmond and go in almost any direction in the State, making 
forty or fifty miles in a couple of hours, or two hundred in 
daylight, with possibly a short ride by private conveyance for 
variety. Then these journeys were performed on horseback, 
and the forty miles was a hard day's ride, and the two hundred 
miles took the whole of a weary week, or if made in less, it was 
done by riding day and night in the stage. One can readily 
see that there is quite a difference between trudging along, per- 
haps through mud and rain, at four miles an hour, and sitting 
at one's ease in a luxurious coach, reading or even writing, and 
at the same time dashing to one's destination at five times that 
speed. Not that we would think all the advantage is with us, 
for the open air and the horseback exercise had much on their 
side, and those rides were eminently favorable to studying ser- 
mons which were to be preached extempore, while with a good 
companion they were sometimes both pleasant and profitable. 
It is only meant that miles traveled and churches visited, etc., 
indicated then something more than the same do now. It is 
one thing to reach your destination at ten a. m. and have the 
day to rest for the night's service, and quite a different thing to 
ride forty miles, get off your horse at dusk, and " preach at 
early candlelight," and then perhaps rise at day to make twenty 
or twenty-five miles in order to fill an appointment at eleven in 
the morning. Whole pages of a memorandum-book kept by 
Mr. Taylor tell of such riding and preaching ; and once we find 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 79 

him, having spent the week at Charlottesville and preaching 
through Fluvanna, Goochland, and Caroline, riding twenty-four 
miles on Sunday morning so as to fill his pulpit at eleven and four 
in Richmond. Sometimes it would happen that in these jour- 
neys peculiar privations would be encountered. On one occa- 
sion, after a day's ride, he went supperless to bed, and his 
lodgings were such as to render slumber impossible. Rising 
early, he pushed on to his appointment, and reached a hospita- 
ble home in the neighborhood of the church just before preach- 
ing-time. The family were starting to meeting, and the road 
was crowded with people going to hear "the Richmond 
preacher." Kind Mrs. R. saw from his appearance something 
was the matter, and inquired if he had not had breakfast. 
With rather a faint smile he replied, " No, nor supper, nor any 
sleep last night." The want was supplied as far as possible, 
and he preached morning and afternoon, but he was made 
quite sick in consequence. 

We do not wonder, after reading such records, to find quite 
frequently the simple but significant entry, "Much fatigued 
and feverish all day." Perhaps these rides were better than ex- 
clusive devotion to home-work, but reading his memoranda one 
often feels that he pressed nature to the limit of endurance. 

We close this chapter by the introduction of extracts from 
his correspondence and diary, bringing the narrative up to the 
year 1830. They present to our view not only his own feel- 
ings and labors, and the progress of his church, but also 
sundry matters of public interest with which he was more or 
less closely connected. They are left without explanation or 
comment, to speak for themselves. 

[From his Diary.] 

April 27. Left Richmond this morning for the Convention to be held 
in Philadelphia. Had a lonely ride to Fredericksburg, as there was no 
other passenger besides myself. 

April 28. Arrived at Baltimore to dinner, and after spending a few 
hours in looking at the city I left for Philadelphia. 

April 29. At twelve to-day the Convention met. About forty mem- 
bers took their seats, and during the day the annual repc^rt was read, 



80 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

containing the most cheering intelligence of the prosperity and prospects 
of the different missions. After the reading of the report, Mr. Sharp 
presented a letter just received by him from Mr. Boardman, the reading 
of which produced among the brethren emotions of wonder and joy. 
Each was ready in the fullness of his heart to say, "What hath God 
wrought I" 

After remarks which were made by several, it was proposed by Dr. 
Staughton that the Convention join in singing "O'er the gloomy hills 
of darkness." The doctor then, with tears streaming from his eyes, told 
us the singing of the hymn reminded him of the time when Carey and 
Thomas left England for India, and of the flow of feeling on that occa- 
sion. He continued speaking until the violence of his feelings forced 
him to desist. It was a melting season to us all, and the Lord was of a 
truth in the midst. In the evening the Convention met to hear the 
introductory sermon by Mr. Sharp. 

April: 30. This evening was set apart as a kind of conference meeting, 
when many interesting statements were made by the brethren. Mr. Brant- 
ly spoke on the state of religion in general, Mr. Davis and Mr. Somers 
on tlie Tract cause, and Mr. Peck on domestic missions. It was agreed 
that during the whole meeting the evenings be spent in a similar manner. 

Lord's Day. Heard Mr. Manly of Charleston and Mr. Welsh of 
Albany, and attempted to preach, myself, at the Mariners' Church to a 
large and attentive congregation. 

]May 7. Last night Mr. Bennett and his lady were set apart by prayer 
and other exercises as accessions to the mission at Burmah. He is to 
labor as a printer. Being young (one day older than myself) and 
healthy, and having a large portion of zeal in the cause of God, it is 
to be hoped he will be a lasting blessing to the millions of Burmah. 
During the evening the father of Mr. Bennett (a minister of the gospel) 
made some feeling remarks, in which he publicly consecrated his son to 
the mission. The young man himself then presented a statement of his 
early religious impressions, and especially in regard to the mission. He 
told us it had long been made a subject of serious and prayerful reflec- 
tion with him, and he had now arrived at the conclusion to live and die 
in Burmah. Happy youth ! thine is an enviable calling, superior to the 
seats of eminence to which men of this world are frequently exalted ; 
and may the blessing of him who holds the winds in his fist and all 
nations under his control attend thy path over the deep and in a land 
of strangers !* Evening. Preached in the city of Trenton from 2 Peter 
i. 5, 6, 7, to a congregation rather small. 

May 8. Arrived in the city of New York. It is nearly ten years 

* Mr. Taylor afterward corresponded with Mr. Bennett. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 81 

since I left this place. What important changes have occurred during 
that time ! The Lord, in his mysterious providence and wonder-work- 
ing grace, has led me along to the experience of many things which could 
hardly have been imagined or anticipated by me. 

Lord's Day, 10th. Preached in the afternoon at Oliver Street Church, 
and in the evening at Vandam Street Church. I enjoyed some freedom 
in the exhibition of the truth. 

Saturday, l^th. Expect to leave the city to-morrow for home. During 
the last week preached at Newark, Oliver Street and Gold Street Churches. 

Monday, June 16th. This day found much consolation in visiting some 
of the poor of my flock. How true is it that superior piety is often 
found in the dwellings of penury and want ! How many of the Lord's 
chosen ones, rich in faith and good works, are to be found among the 
poor of this world ! The Lord sees not as man seeth. He looks to the 
man who is of a broken and contrite heart, and who trembles at his 
word. I would rather sit down with a poor disciple of the Lord Jesus 
in his habitation of obscurity, and listen to his testimony of providen- 
tial goodness and gracious visitation, than to hold converse with nobles 
and be elevated to the highest seat of earthly honor and enjoyment. 
May I learn to be thankful for the good I receive, to be humble and 
resigned under all the dealings of the Lord's hand, and prepared to 
comfort all Avho are in distress ! 

June 27. Have felt for a few days much dispirited in view of my 
weakness and vileness. If my heart were as deeply penetrated with a 
sense of responsibility as it should be, how eagerly would I seize every 
opportunity of speaking to others of their lost condition ! how chaste 
and spiritual would all my conversation and deportment be ! but, alas ! 
how sluggish, selfish, neglectful am I ! Oh for transforming grace to 
operate on all my affections, and bring them into proper exercise ! 

July 13. Arrived at home after an absence of five days, during which 
time I spoke to seven different congregations, and baptized twelve per- 
sons, one of whom was Mrs. W. of Hanover. My tour was through a 
part of Caroline and Hanover. Procured ten subscribers to the Herald, 
and engaged seventeen copies of Mrs. Judson's " Memoir." 

September 4. Eeturned to-day from a visit to my parents, having been 
away about four weeks. I left them in good health, and found all well 
on my return home. Preached during my absence only five times, hav- 
ing disappointed several meetings on account of indisposition. Was in- 
strumental in forming one temperance society and one Sunday-school. 
For the divine goodness vouchsafed to me I desire to be deeply grateful 
and to devote myself anew to his service. 

October 22. This day has presented me a lovely and interesting babe, 
I cannot possibly describe the emotions of my heart in entering upon this 

F 



82 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

new and responsible relation. It has been my constant prayer for the 
last twelve months that I might be qualified to sustain the relation of 
husband — that in all things I might cultivate and manifest that spirit 
which would make my dear companion happy. Now I have occasion 
to supplicate on another's behalf. I am called on, in being made a 
parent, to seek daily strength and wisdom, that I may with propriety 
and dignity fulfill all my duties. I think I feel new tenderness and 
aflfection toward my dear Mary, and find abundant reason to be thankful 
for the good degree of strength she at present enjoys. 

[To his Father.] 

June 30, 1829. 

.... I regret to hear that mother's health is delicate — hope, how- 
ever, that she will enjoy the manifestations of divine love, and realize 
the consolations which the Bible, and only the Bible, gives. I have 
thought much of her since I was up, especially of the patience and 
resignation she evinced in her trying afflictions. I thought then I had 
never seen her so much under the influence of gracious principles, and 
almost envied her situation. You have both, my dear father, known 
what it is to pass through the fire of tribulation, and are, I believe, con- 
vinced of the infinite love which has kindled it. The afflictions of the 
righteous are never joyous in themselves, but producing, as they do, the 
peaceable fruits of righteousness, there is joy at last. I recollect when I 
was a child I frequently thought hard of the course you pursued toward 
me, and could not see into the justice or goodness of those chastisements 
you were pleased to inflict. But now I know it was all right. I can now 
see that you had my welfare through life at heart in all your dealings 
with me. But God is infinitely more careful of the best interests of his 
children than any earthly parent can be. He often puts them to great 
pain and disappoints all their earthly expectations, not because he de- 
lights in these things, but because he seeks their everlasting welfare. 
He does not consult their present ease so much as their ultimate good. 
He is pursuing a course of discipline to qualify them for the better en- 
joyment of the heavenly world, "for our light afflictions," etc. I trust, 
my dear father, that you realize the subject in this light. Do not give 
way to despondency. The Lord reigns, and has ever been your best 
Friend. My confidence in your aflectionate regard will never be shaken. 
I know my parents love me, but how do I know this ? Because I look 
back and see their unwearied efibrts in my behalf ever since I was a 
babe. I am sure that you may say the same of the Lord. You have 
doubtless set up many an Ebenezer and sung, " Hitherto hath the Lord 
helped us." Then let your trust be still fixed on him. He has not only 
been your Friend hitherto, but has said, " I will never leave nor forsake 
thee." .... 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 83 

Religion with us is much as it was when I wrote you last. We have 
one young lady received for baptism, and one or two others are expected. 
Just before I went to the North I baptized four. I long to see times of 
refreshing. We are attempting to do something in the cause of God, 
but not so much as is desirable. The Board of our Bible society is pro- 
ceeding to supply t very destitute family in the State with a copy of the 
sacred volume. Our Tract society has determined to supply every 
family in Bichmond with a new tract once a month. We expect also to 
organize an infant-school in the city very soon. Having something to 
do with all these matters, I find my time completely occupied, and 
pleasantly occupied too, with the exception of a frequent sense of in- 
firmity mingled with all. Oh that I may possess more of the Spirit of 
the Lord Jesus, who labored simply for the sake of doing good to men 
and exemplifying the glory and beauty of the divine perfections ! 

[To the Same.] 

September 19, 1829. 

.... You are apprised, I imagine, of the meeting of the Convention 
in this city at this time. It is an august and dignified body. Among 
the rest there are Madison, Monroe, Mercer, John Bandolph, etc. Mr. 
Monroe presides, but in a very awkward manner. Alexander Campbell 
is also a member, and is exciting considerable interest throughout the 
city, preaching every Lord's Day morning in the First Baptist meeting- 
house to immense crowds of people. He has taken tea with us twice, 
and is exceedingly agreeable as a companion — has something of the 
subtlety of Mr. Egan* in argument. His sentiments are not as hateful 
as they have been represented to be, but too inconsistent with truth (ac- 
cording to my views of truth) for a teacher of the Christian religion. On 
last Lord's Day Brother Kerr preached at our meeting-house, and I at 
the First meeting-house — Brother Campbell present both times. 

[To the Same.] 

October 27, 1829. 

.... Mr. Campbell is producing much excitement in the city; people 

come twenty and thirty, and some fifty miles, to hear him preach. I 

think, however, much as he speaks of speculation, he is as much of a 

speculatist as any one. He is now pursuing a learned and labored course 

of lectures on the old and new dispensations. He may turn some heads, 

but I believe most persons hear him with caution. 

[To the Same.] 

December 16, 1829. 

.... Since I wrote you last I have baptized one, but the state of 

religion among us at present I consider to be exceedingly low. Various 

*Dr. B. Egan, Mr. Taylor's old teacher, referred to in Chapter III. 



84 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

causes have contributed to produce this effect ; such as, for instance, the 
meetings of the Convention and Legislature, bringing into the city a large 
number of strangers, and introducing much fashion and folly ; as well as 
the preaching of Mr. Campbell. I have no doubt there is much miscon- 
ception and misrepresentation in regard to his peculiar sentiments. I 
believe him to be a good man, and certainly a man of profound learning 
and research, but at the same time the attention of the people is so drawn 
off from better things to the discussion of speculations and theories that 
Christian exertion and usefulness are in a considerable degree paralyzed. 
I do not think that this is his object, but as his talents will command 
attention, all eyes seem to be directed to him, and all are investigating 
his system. I differ from him in many important respects, and feel de- 
termined to "prove all things, and to hold fast that which is good." 

I am much pleased to hear that there is a prospect of revival in the 
neighborhood of Bethel. This must gladden the heart of Father Kich- 
ards and of all the children of God connected with that church, espe- 
cially as a season of darkness and declension has long prevailed. Please 
write me particularly in relation to this matter. 

The following extract is from a letter of his aged grand- 
mother to him. It is interesting as suggesting how prayer may 
be answered in the third generation, while it contains a sugges- 
tion that any minister might read with profit. It is dated 
Barton, England, April 6, 1829. After referring to his being 
a minister, she continues : " None can' know how many times, 
w^hen I have heard a young man stand up to speak, I have 
wished the Lord had given me such a one. I should have been 
blessed above all mothers. But I hope the Lord has answered 
my prayer in my dear and first grandson, for which I most 
humbly give him thanks, trusting that if he has sent you, he 
will keep your feet from falling and enable you to perform the 
work he has given you to do. Believe me, my dear James, that 
it is and shall be my earnest prayer that you may be kept 
under the shadow of the Almighty and held in the hollow of 
his hand, and made the bappy instrument of saving many 
souls. I trust that what you preach to others you yourself may 
first feel, and that you yourself may have your Sabbath with 

your God on Saturday, which the great Mr. '=' called 

his ' crying day.' " 

* The name is illegible. 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE preceding chapter presented Mr. Taylor as located in 
Kichmond, witli some general statements as to the manner 
in which he prosecuted his labors, and some details of his life 
during the first three years of his pastorate. The present chap- 
ter will give an account of the last ten years of that pastorate — 
a period rich in interest as regards both his personal history 
and the history of his times. In it his church, in common 
with many others, experienced at least two very remarkable 
revivals of religion ; Richmond was visited with that terrible 
scourge, the cholera; and he, by his excessive labors, was 
brought to the borders of the grave, and for a season was led 
to contemplate the probable necessity of retiring from his posi- 
tion. It was also characterized by great progress in personal 
piety, as his diary and letters evince, by enlarged operations on 
his part in behalf of the kingdom of Christ, by his increased 
prominence before the Baptist brotherhood of the entire coun- 
try, and by the commencement of his labors as an author. To 
the denomination in Virginia these were eventful, checkered 
years. On the one hand, they were notorious for the disturb- 
ing influence of Campbellism, and on the other hand they were 
signalized not only by the steady progress of the General Asso- 
ciation, but by the inception and growth and very useful career 
of the Education Society and of the Seminary.* Of the^e 
great enterprises it will be seen that he was a part, while it is 
interesting to trace his own growing conviction of the insidious 
and dangerous character of Mr. Campbell's teachings. 

For the most part, the story of these years shall be told by 
extracts from his diary and from the letters of himself and 
others. 

* Now Eichmond College. 
8 85 



86 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

The first extract introduced is a specimen of scores from his 
pen, and breathes a spirit of filial piety for which he was re- 
markable. The closing paragraph shows that he was already 
beginning to distrust Mr. Campbell : 

Richmond, June 29, 1830. 

I am more than ever sensible of the obligations I owe to my deat 
parents as the authors of my being and the guardians of my youth. 
What tender solicitude have my father and mother cherished in ray 
behalf from my birth to the present hourl I now look back with 
pleasure and pain at the days of my childhood — with pleasure, because 
many memorials of parental kindness and love present themselves; 
and with pain, in the thought that I should at any time have given 
pain to my best earthly friends. The question now frequently suggests 
itself to my mind : How shall I repay their affectionate care and atten- 
tion ? And I can assure you the question occasions no little anxiety. 

Perhaps the best return a child can make, besides affection and 
reverence, is correctness of conduct and dignity of character among his 
fellow-creatures. When a parent knows that a son or daughter is occu- 
pying a useful station in society, and filling that station with propriety, 
he must feel in some measure compensated for the toils he has endured 
and the care he has exercised during the tender years of infancy or 
waywardness of growing youth. He must derive a high pleasure in 
knowing that he has contributed to the formation of a character de- 
servedly respectable, and trained up for usefulness his offspring. Espe- 
cially must satisfaction be derived if the object of so much painful 
solicitude is employed as a Christian minister in the diffusion of useful 
knowledge and piety or in works of righteousness and benevolence, thus 
living for some valuable purpose. I can conceive of no pleasure more 
desirable. 

Whilst I desire to be governed in all my conduct by a supreme 
respect for the highest of all authority and for the glory of God, I am 
not insensible of my obligation to those who gave me birth. Respect 
for them and regard to their feelings operate not a little in the main- 
tenance of correctness in life. I ask. What shall I do to repay them for 
all their pains ? and the reply is at hand : Fulfill their just expecta- 
tions in all the affairs of life. Do nothing to stain their reputation or 
to wound their feelings. This is perhaps all I can do. I wish it was 
more. As long as I can feel I shall entertain a grateful recollection 
of scenes gone by, and of the fond concern of both my father and 
mother. I hope I shall not cease to ask in your behalf the blessing 
of him without whose blessing none can prosper 

Keligion with us is quite dull. Mr. Campbell has left, and I am 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 87 

glad of it. He is an astonishing man, but I fear will do more harm 
than good. You will see the minutes of the ministers' meeting in this 
week's Herald, etc 

The next extracts are from his diary, and give us an insight 
into his longings for more holiness, and his well-directed, and 
specific efforts after greater conformity to the divine will in 
his intercourse with others. They also reveal his desire for 
consecration as a minister and for mental improvement, while 
they mention some of the works he had perused : 

[From his Diary.] 

February 16, 1830. This is a world of trial. A thousand circum- 
stances are occurring to put Christian principle to the test. Little vexa- 
tions every day present themselves, requiring the exercise of patience ; 
and perhaps in these respects it is less easy to be patient than in the 
experience of heavier calamities. I am a Christian by profession, and 
my obligations to be faithful in the exercise of correct feeling are very 
solemn and binding. May I strive for the exercise of every temper 
which will adorn the profession I have made ! In the following matters 
especially may I be watchful and faithful. 

Let me seek — 

1st. To maintain a respectful manner in my intercourse with others, 
guarding particularly against everything like haughtiness and self- 
importance in mingling with the poor. 

2d. To be dispassionate and calm in the statement of my own views 
and in opposing the opinion of others. 

3d. To avoid bitterness of feeling and expression when the failings 
of absent persons are introduced as topics of conversation by others ; 
and if it be possible let me remove prejudices. 

4th. To be extremely prudent in all my deportment at home, before 
all the members of my family. 

5th. To lessen as much as possible the amount of care and labor 
which may be endured by my companion. 

6th. To please and make her happy. 

March 19. Just reached my twenty-sixth year. I believe I can with 
justice say the past year has been one of the happiest of my life 

In regard to improvement of mind, my progress has not been so con- 
siderable as I could wish. Many interruptions have occurred, owing to 
the pressing and various duties to be performed in my pastoral and 
ministerial relation. Since last March I have read " Brown's Antiqui- 
ties of the Jews," two volumes, octavo ; " Owen and Campbell's Debate ;" 
"Jay's Sermons;" "Shuckford's Connections," two volumes, octavo; 



88 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

" McLean on the Commission ;" Miss Edgeworth on " Practical Educa- 
tion." 

In looking back on the past year I find many things which ought to 
occasion humility and penitence. Pride, indolence, selfishness, envy, 
and distrust, and a thousand unholy tempers have too readily found 
a place in my heart ; and oh if I can discover such a host of abomina- 
tions and so many defects, what must God behold ? O Lord, I am vile 
and unworthy of thy mercy, but, blessed be thy name! thou art gracious 
and ready to forgive. Oh heal all my backslidings, and make me more 
devoted to thy fear. I am now in the prime of life : let my activity and 
all my talents be successfully employed in doing good and advancing 
thy glory ! 

May 1, Saturday night. Feel exceedingly distressed in body and mind. 
Throughout the past week, though quite busily employed, I have been 
almost heartless in all- 1 have done. I have gone on attending to first 
one thing and then another, as a matter of constraint and not of a willing 
heart. The idea of barely getting along with my ministerial duties so 
as to escape censure distresses me. I wish to have my best feelings in- 
terested, to make my duty my choice, and to labor with all my might. 

In the spring of 1830, Mr. Taylor made an extensive 
preaching-tour, first attending the Portsmouth Association, 
near Norfolk, and then crossing over, through the counties of 
Warwick, York, Gloucester, and Middlesex, to the Northern 
Neck. Here he fulfilled his long-cherished wish in visiting 
the churches of his friend Mr. Jeter. After a season spent in 
Northumberland and Lancaster, together they rode to Rich- 
mond to attend the meeting of the General Association. That 
ride was fraught with momentous results to the Baptist cause 
in Virginia, and that meeting was one of the most important 
that the Baptists of Virginia have ever held. The following 
letter tells its own story. Dr. Jeter also states that the forma- 
tion of the Education Society was regarded by many with 
distrust, and had to be managed with great caution. Among 
those who opposed it, he adds, were some who afterward for 
many years labored disinterestedly and efficiently both for the 
society and the institution under its care. 

[To his Father.] 

Richmond, June 11, 1830. 

.... I have never known such a meeting of the General Association 

since my residence in Virginia. The delegation was very large. Be- 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 89 

sides a number of private brethren who took seats with us according to 
the terms of the constitution, there were about forty ministers present. 
Much harmony and affection prevailed, and we have reason to believe 
that the Lord was in the midst. Something more than a thousand 
dollars was received into the treasury, and a plan of operations com- 
menced, which must, I think, succeed in the spread of the gospel among 
all the people of our State. I think a number of brethren went home 
with a determination of doing something more efficient in the cause of 
Christ than they have ever done before. I will mention one case. 
Brother William F. Broaddus, a most superior preacher, who has been 
tied down to a school for the support of a growing family, has determined 
to obtain a substitute as soon as he can, and devote the whole of his time 
in his Master's cause. May the Lord go with and prosper him in all his 
labors ! 

We have also commenced something in the cause of education. Bro- 
ther Jeter and myself the whole way from the Northern Neck were 
deliberating on the best means to be resorted to in this matter, and de- 
termined to attempt something. We found several brethren ready to 
co-operate with us in any practicable plan. On Monday morning at 
five o'clock a large number of ministers and others friendly to the im- 
provement of the ministry met at the Second Baptist meeting-house to 
consult on the best method of fulfilling our wishes. After several in- 
teresting addresses it was concluded that an education society should 
be forthwith organized. In the afternoon the committee appointed for 
that purpose presented a plan and constitution, and recommended its 
immediate adoption. A large number of names were subscribed, and 
the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars obtained at that time. I can 
assure you no act of my life has given me more satisfaction than this, since, 
whilst the benefits of scientific improvement will never be mine, those 
who come after me will have an opportunity of enjoying this advantage, 
and be better prepared to expound the Scriptures and defend the 
truth 

The next letters are less important, but are not without 
interest. One of them gives us probably the first instance of 
rented pews among Virginia Baptists. Mr. Taylor was rather 
in favor of the pew-system. He thought it might be managed 
so as not to make invidious distinctions between the rich and 
poor, or exclude strangers, and that it was useful in causing 
families to sit together in the house of God. 

The reference to the missionaries for Liberia suggests the 
remark that already he was beginning to be much looked to 
8* 



90 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

by the Boston Board. Many were the letters from Dr. Bolles 
asking his co-operation in this or that matter, which requests 
were always gladly complied with. At an early period, too, 
he actively labored, in various ways, in behalf of the Coloniza- 
tion Society, of which he was ever a steadfast friend. 

[To his Father.] 

RicuMOXD, July 22, 1830. 

.... Last week we received the mournful intelligence of the death 
of our beloved brother, Noah Davis of Philadelphia. He preached 
twice on Lord's Day, and died on Thursday following. He was a good 
man 

I have just returned from our ministers' meeting in Petersburg. It 
was, on the whole, interesting and improving. Brother Snow preached 
a most excellent discourse. He is certainly a youth of much promise. 

In regard to myself, I often feel compelled to contemplate with wonder, 
and I trust with gratitude, the dealings of Providence, Indeed, some- 
times, in looking back over past events, I have been led to believe that 
the misfortunes of the family have been conducive of good. Perhaps, 
father, had you been permitted to give me, as you ardently desired, the 
means of obtaining a classical education, I might have risen up in the 
pride of human intellect and human wisdom and abused that very 
gospel I now preach. It may be, had you been successful in your pecu- 
niary enterprises and amassed a large fortune for your children, I might 
have been an abandoned profligate, and the gray hairs of my dear parents 
brought down with sorrow to the grave. I know it is proper to use all 
lawful means with respect to this world, but are we not at liberty to look 
on the ruins of those castles of air which Fancy has built, and behold 
some monuments of a kind and interposing Providence? May we not 
sometimes clearly perceive in our disappointed projects a supernatural 
Agent, an all-wise yet gracious Friend ? Yes, I am sure I can in rela- 
tion to my own experience. The Lord be praised " for his goodness and 
for his wonderful works " to me, a sinner ! 

Especially would I rejoice in the fact that during the waywardness of 
childhood and youtli my parents exercised decision and firmness in re- 
straining me, for had I pursued my own way perhaps I might have been 
utterly ruined for time and eternity. 

[To the Same.] 

Richmond, August 27, 1830. 
.... I am happy to say that we have once more taken possession of 
our house of worship. It is now very comfortable, having large and con- 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TA^ LOR. 91 

venient galleries, and the lower part is filled up with pews, having no 
doors. 

The church has decided on renting out the pews. There is among the 
Baptists of this city considerable prejudice against the system, though 
among our members pretty generally a favorable disposition. I antici- 
pated some difficulty in this matter, but am pleased to find myself mis- 
taken. One of our members last night manifested some disposition to 
take a letter, but agreed to Avaive his motion for the present. We mani- 
fested no unwillingness, should he persist in his request, to grant it. I 

think, however, he will not urge it We have now in the city a 

Brother and Sister Skinner, with their babe, who are designated as 
missionaries to Liberia. They are from Connecticut, and, expecting to 
sail from Norfolk, will be set apart in this city. The ladies are very 
busy in preparing clothing, etc. for their voyage. 

You will see by to-day's paper that we are doing something in the way 
of education. Our prospects are very cheering at present. 

About a month hence we shall have several large meetings in this 
place and vicinity, if tlie Lord wills. We anticipate much enjoyment. 
Will the temperance societies of Mecklenburg send delegates to the Vir- 
ginia society, or will they not send some communications ? I hope they 
will. 

The year 1831 was distinguished for its extensive and power- 
ful revivals of religion. Richmond was remarkably blessed, 
and, and since, that season has been spoken of as " the great 
revival of 1831." The Second Church shared richly in these 
showers of mercy. The first letter of those following refers to 
the precarious condition of the Religious Herald, and to the 
effort which would be put forth to sustain it. Perhaps no one 
else did so much in this direction as Mr. Taylor. It will be 
seen that he was absent from home when the work of grace 
commenced. He was engaged on a tour for the Herald. At 
that period, Elder James Fife, now an octogenarian, was a 
most laborious and successful revivalist. He had held some 
excellent meetings in the Piedmont country, and proposed to 
Elder Baptist that they should go together to Richmond and 
labor there for a revival. They did so. Four meetings were 
held every day, which were largely attended. Elder Fife did 
all the preaching, delivering three sermons each day. The 
feeling was deep and pervaded the city. Remarkable scenes 



92 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

were witnessed. Last summer (1871) my father was staying 
with me at the University, and Elder Fife called to see him. 
My father was absent from the room a few moments, and 
Elder Fife, the subject being somehow introduced, gave me 
the foregoing facts. As he was in the midst of his narration, 
father entered, and when he heard what Brother Fife was talk- 
ing of, though he was much prostrated by pain and loss of 
sleep, his eye kindled, and with great animation he said, " Yes, 
I w^as absent from Richmond on a tour for the Religious 
Herald, during which I secured five hundred subscribers ; and 
when I returned I found Kichmond turned upside down." 

[To his Father.] 

RiCHMOXD, December 3, 1830. 

Since I wrote last I have spent a week in Norfolk in attending the 
Board of the General Association. Met with several brethren, and found 
the season pleasant. I have also attended a two-days' meeting in this 
county. Started in the morning from Richmond, rode twelve miles, 
preached, then rode six miles, heard a sermon from Brother Ball ; then 
witnessed the baptism of five persons by Brother Jones ; afterward rode 
six miles, and preached again the same night. The next day Brother 
Ball and myself preached at the meeting-house again, and a most inter- 
esting season it was. 

But I wish to say something respecting ourselves. Since I wrote last 
our meetings have been more than usually solemn. Last Lord's Day 
week I baptized eight white persons, and on last Sabbath I gave them the 
right hand of fellowship. It was a time of enjoyment. Among these 
persons were the two ladies of whom you heard me speak as being per- 
secuted and prevented from joining the church by Mr. B. He was taken 
away suddenly whilst I was absent on my visit to Mecklenburg. There 
are other cases of concern in our congregation. The Presbyterians also 
are receiving accessions. Brother Kerr has just returned from a Baptist 
camp-meeting in Halifax, much enlivened. I trust the Lord will 
revive his work in his congregation. 

I feel thankful for the advice you give in your last letter. You may 
form some idea of my labors when I mention that in ten days I preached 
as many times, besides attending to two Bible-classes and other pastoral 
duties. But I need quickening. I have need to feel more the worth of 
an immortal soul and of that precious cause in which I am engaged. 

We are endeavoring to make an extra effort in behalf of the Herald. 
"Without such an effort it must sink, '^utitmust not &mk. You remem- 



LIPE AND TIMES OP JAMES B. TAYLOR. 93 

ber I promised to pay your subscription, but Brother Sands would not 
receive anything, as I have been much engaged in obtaining subscribers. 
How does your Sunday-school prosper ? I am about to publish a small 
edition of Brother Broaddus's "Catechism" — a most excellent thing. 

[To the Same.] 

Richmond, February 24, 1831. 
.... I have sent on a number of appointments through the Kehukee 

Association, during the month of May If I live, this summer I 

expect will be the busiest I have ever known. May the Lord direct and 
prosper my way ! I wish to give myself up to his guidance, and lay out 
my poor self to the best advantage. If I can be useful I hope I shall give 
the Lord the glory, and be delivered from selfishness of motive in all I 
do. I feel more than ever, my dear parents, an incapacity for the dis- 
charge of my responsible duties. My knowledge is so scanty, my piety 
is so low. I have to contend with my own indolence and the evil pro- 
pensities of my nature, and am often led to fear I have assumed a station 
I am not qualified to fill. But I will not give way to despondency and 
do nothing because I cannot do everything. " Faint, yet pursuing," shall 
be my motto. I shall still strive to improve myself as much as I can. I 
am still young, and with the blessing of God can accomplish something 
in this way. 

[From his Diary.] 

1831, March 11. The present is rather an interesting season in this 
city. Many are awaking to a sense of the importance of activity in the 
cause of Jesus Christ, and some heretofore careless are asking, What shall 
we do to be saved ? The winter which has just closed has seen more of 
gayety and wickedness than usual, whilst Christians have suffered the ex- 
treme coldness of the weather to prevent them from assembling together 
as often as they should. For myself, my mind indulges a suspense ex- 
tremely painful. I feel afraid that as the pastor of the church I shall not 
possess that elevated tone of piety so requisite in the discharge of my duty. 

March 19, birthday. I would this day record the mercy of God, which 
has spared my life and furnished me with unnumbered enjoyments. 
Nothing has occurred during the past year of a seriously afflictive nature 
in my own person or in my own family. I think I have devoted more 
time to reading, and labored with more evident success as a minister of 
Jesus Christ. My prospects at this time are cheering, and I cannot help 
entertaining the hope that I shall ere long reap an abundant harvest. 
Our Bible-classes (three in number) and Sabbath-school are in a more 
flourishing condition than I have ever known them. May the blessing 
of the Lord be richly experienced and believers be multiplied ! 

Whilst I can testify to the amazing kindness of my heavenly Father 



94 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOH. 

and indulge the most pleasing anticipations, I am often compelled to 
grieve over my incapacity for filling my present station. There are two 
things which occasion pain : 1. I fear that I am in the way of some per- 
son better qualified to labor among the dear people of my charge. My 
knowledge is scanty, my experience small, and whilst I might devote 
what talents I have to better advantage in a humbler, narrower sphere, 
a minister of more learning might occupy my place more usefully. I 
have mentioned this to one or two brethren, and did it not look too much 
like mock-humility to state my feelings to the church when no individual 
of the right stamp is in view to succeed me, I should certainly do it. 

2. Another thing which burdens me is my want of spirituality. This 
is, if possible, a greater defect than the other. I think I love the Saviour, 
but there is so much of inconstancy that I sometimes fear I do not love 
him at all. I need more faith, humility, and love. O Lord, quicken 
my soul, and give in greater measure the spirit of Jesus Christ ! 

[To his Father.] 

Richmond, August IT, 1831. 

.... It will no doubt be gratifying to hear some particulars respect- 
ing the revival in this city. When I arrived here after I parted from 
you, I found a most powerful excitement in the congregation of the First 
Church, and our own somewhat scattered. My substitute, altogether dis- 
couraged, had left the city, so that the first Sabbath I preached here I 
found the number of my hearers much diminished, but some little feeling 
exhibited. Things went on thus, the members of our church rather dis- 
pirited than otherwise, until the second four-days' meeting. I succeeded 
in an arrangement for preaching such as I wished. Our brethren Jeter, 
Fife, and Rice preached as I never heard them before. On Saturday, 
Monday and Tuesday, in the day, the two churches oet together harmo- 
niously, at the old house in the morning, and at ours in the afternoon. 
On Lord's Day and each night preaching at both places. A large 
number of our congregation became awakened at that meeting; and 
immediately after, Brother Allgood came to our assistance, and the house 
was open almost every night. We have all labored night and day, 
scarcely giving ourselves time to rest. Blessed be God ! our labor has 
not been in vain. Since the 1st of April we have received about two 
hundred members, seventy-four of whom are colored persons. Several 
of these are persons of influence, who will be useful in the church. 
Almost all the members of our Bible-classes have professed religion, and 
many belonging to the Sunday-school. I shall have baptized, in a week 
or two, twenty men and their wives, in some cases nearly the whole of 
large families. 

One of the gentlemen who has joined our church was a sportsman and 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 95 

gambler, and has for three years prevented his wife joining the Baptists. 
He tells me he has lost from fifteen hundred dollars to two thousand dol- 
lars in his gaming adventures within a few years/^ I cannot help hop- 
ing some of our young men will make ministers, or rather that the Lord 
will make ministers of them. We have been somewhat interrupted by 
the insurrection in Southampton. That circumstance has produced con- 
siderable confusion in this city. I trust, however, the work will go on. 

Brother Kerr's church has received about five hundred members since 
the revival commenced — I suppose two hundred whites. The Method- 
ists have had an accession of about one hundred and fifty, the Presby- 
terians forty or fifty. 

The revival is going on among the Baptists in all the surrounding 
country for fifty miles. I have attended several four-days' meetings, and 
seen what I never saw before of God's power in the salvation of souls. 

[From his Diary.] 

January 1, 1832. Another year has expired. The Lord has greatly 
blessed me in various respects. My cup has been made to run over 

with temporal mercies My labors have been much more abundant 

than usual, having preached about two hundred and forty times since 
last January, and visited very extensively among the families of the 
city. Still, my health has been better than for several preceding years. 
How good the Lord is! I have special cause for thanksgiving in review- 
ing the past year with regard to our church. About two hundred have 
been added by baptism, and a number by letter. The Lord has poured 
out his Holy Spirit in a remarkable manner, and I trust he will not 
forsake us. Many interesting youths of both sexes have joined the 
church, who now bid fair to be useful in the cause of the Kedeemer. 
I feel a deep solicitude for the spiritual welfare of these lambs of 
Christ, and trust they will be preserved from error and sin. I shall 
need much wisdom and prudence to discharge my duty in reference to 
them. 

January 4. This day removed from IVIr. 's to our rented dwell- 
ing. I wish it to be consecrated to the Lord, and to manage all my 
concerns with the distinct design of glorifying his holy name. My 
mind has been much afiected to-day in seeing a funeral procession 
follow to the grave one of the most fashionable men of our city. Mr. 
P., in the vigor of his days, has been cut oiF. I learn that he was one 
of the managers of a public ball which was held a few nights since. 
The circumstances of his death are truly affecting. In returning from 

* The life and death of this person are referred to in Mr. Taylor's diary 
under date of November 30, 1852. 



96 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

a public-house, and being about to enter his door, he fell over the 
banister about ten feet, and was taken up by the watch of the city in 
a senseless state. He was not rational afterward, and died in a few 
days. When quite young he professed religion and joined the Baptist 
church. He became loose in his Christian character, and finally 
launched out into the greatest excesses and increased rapidly in wealth. 
But he was suddenly cut off. Another case in the city is equally dis- 
tressing. An individual who in early life joined the Presbyterian 
church, and afterward became an apostate, is now expected every day 
to die, having been entirely deranged for several days. 

Just here are inserted the interesting reminiscences of the 
venerable father in Israel, Elder James Fife, who has been 
already mentioned in these pages : 

My most intimate acquaintance with your father arose from several 
protracted meetings which brought us together, and from these I glean 
a few things which were of great use to me, as I labored much at these 
meetings for several years. At the great meeting in 1831 there were 
in the congregation characters who could only be brought out by in- 
tense excitement, but when the excitement became noisy it drove 
seriousness from them. The second night of the meeting was a scene 
of great noise. The call for the awakened to come up drew Mr. Arm- 
strong, pastor of the Presbyterian church, to his feet, who, after stating 
that many around him were deeply awakened, proceeded to deliver a 
powerful address, which set the whole house in a perfect noisy commo- 
tion. Now, it was just here that the great gift of your father appeared : 
he would calm the too great excitement, and yet lead the sinner to 
"consider his ways," bringing home conviction to those who were 
beginning to emerge from the darkness and blindness that engulfed 
them. At another meeting at the Third Church he had engaged the 
services of W. F. Broaddus, E. L. Colman, and myself. The house 
was filled to suffocation. Dr. Thomas sat in the gallery to take his 
notes of ridicule. The brethren insisted that I should preach and in- 
vite the awakened to come near the pulpit. When I had finished, a 
brother who had got inside of the east door broke out in a vehement, 
uproarious declamation (affording fine sport for Thomas). The scene 
beggars description. No one that I knew could bring order out of such 
confusion but your father : he would pour oil on the swelling billows, 
and at the same time carry conviction to the already-awakened inquirer 
and calm down to serious thought. I went with him to Fredericksburg 
on one occasion, when the same happy results were experienced by 
his great power in bringing a crowd of awakened sinners to calm 
reflection. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 97 

I learned another lesson that was of great use to me as a pastor. At 
a protracted meeting at the Second Church he obtained the aid of 
Brother Jeter and myself. The novelty of four-days' meetings had 
passed away, and it became necessary to work in another way. As he 
was intimately acquainted with his congregation, he knew exactly the 
families on whom a good impression would be made by visiting them 
at such a time, and accordingly allotted some to Brother Jeter and 
myself. Among other families was one in which, had not Brother 
Jeter been with me, who could approach strangers better than I could, 
no good would have been done. The most that I could do here was 
to pray in secret for a blessing on Jeter's labors. Our visit was suc- 
cessful, and in time every member except one was led to the great 
Deliverer, The happy result of these visits was to arouse to deep con- 
viction persons whom no preaching would bring to serious thought. 
Having just such members in my own congregation, I returned home 
with a new field opened up before me for usefulness, and a precious 
revival succeeded. These conversations in the families suggested mat- 
ter for sermons, and remarks that I never would have spoken but for 
these meetings. I was always glad to get your father to my churches 
on account of the happy way he had of talking in such families as we 
visited. 

In the year 1832 the schism produced by Mr. Campbell cul- 
minated in the separation from the Baptist denomination of 
those who adhered to his views — of some, doubtless, who, with- 
out fully embracing his doctrinal views, were from one or an- 
other cause either repelled from their own churches or at- 
tracted to Mr. Campbell. He was himself a very plausible 
man, and there was also something very fascinatiug to many 
minds in his parade of learning and bold speculations, while a 
new order of things will always find adherents. Mr. Taylor, 
admiring much in Mr. Campbell and feeling most kindly to- 
ward him personally, yet gave place to him no not for one hour. 
Nay, he earnestly opposed his views, and as a faithful shepherd 
looked well to keep his sheep from the grievous wolves that 
sought to enter and not spare the flock. By this course he in- 
curred odium on the part of some who were inclined to favor 
the so-called " reformation." 

The year 1832 was to him, personally, a year of excessive 
labor, exposure, and trial, but also marked by mercies, and 
9 G 



98 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

especially by supporting and sanctifying grace ; all of which 
will appear from the following extracts : 



[To his Father.] 

EiCHMOND, January 13, 1832. 

.... With regard to ourselves, I will say that we are as happy as it 
is possible to be on this side the heavenly Canaan. We have commenced 
housekeeping in a beautiful situation on the hill. The house is very 
pleasant, with a well in the yard, all necessary outhouses, and a large 
garden, for which we pay one hundred and twenty-five dollars per 
year 

The prospects of oar church are at this time very flattering. Without 
a single exception, so far as I know, our members who joined last sum- 
mer are steadfast and growing Christians, The Lord seems to be favor- 
ing us with his signal smiles. The most perfect harmony and Christian 
love prevail in our midst. Our Sabbath-school and Bible-class are in a 
very flourishing condition, and I trust greater things than those we have 
already experienced are yet in store for us. The First Church is in 
great confusion at this time. The principles of Mr. Campbell have so 
far prevailed that it is supposed there is a large majority .who cleave to 
him. It is thought a division will be the consequence. Mr. A. Camp- 
bell's father is now in the city, and has been cordially invited to occupy 
the pulpit. Whilst I feel severely pained at the state of things, I rejoice 
that our own members are still decidedly opposed to this new and poison- 
ous system. There are perhaps two or three who would be willing to 
have him preach at the Second Church ; besides which all are firm in 
having nothing to do with him. 

Thus the Lord has dealt and is dealing v>^ith us, in much mercy. I 
feel humbled and mortified in contrasting my own unworthiness with his 
loving-kindness. How little has my short life been devoted to his praise, 
and yet how varied and constant his acts of love to me ! Oh that I may 
never cease to love him ! Oh that I may love him with tenfold more 
ardor ! 

Whilst my earthly circumstances are so comfortable, I do not desire to 
account these my chief good. I wish to have my supreme affections so 
directed that should my dearest enjoyments be torn from me I should 
still be happy in the Lord, In this world all is change and uncertainty. 
My beloved companion may die, my little babe may be consigned to the 
darkness of the grave, my dwelling may be reduced to ashes, and all I 
have take wings and fly away. I know not what a day may bring forth. 
My own life may be cut off. I wish to be in a state of readiness for any 
or all of these events. I am persuaded that infinite Wisdom knows 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 99 

what is best, and I desire so much to confide in the riches of his grace as 
to be kept in perfect peace. 

In April and May, after severe sickness, still scarcely able 
to travel, he with his companion proceeded to New York, and 
attended the Convention. During his absence he preached 
several times, and heard Sherwood, Dagg, and others. The 
meeting itself was interesting. One hundred and twenty mem- 
bers took seats from sixteen States in the Union. He set out 
on this trip desiring not only to regain his health, but, as he 
expresses it, to " make, if possible, every incident and scene 
contribute to the enlargement of his mind and the elevation of 
piety;" and he seems to have enjoyed exquisitely both the 
travel itself and the religious privileges which were afforded. 

Soon after reaching home he writes to his father of his con- 
tinued feeble health, of the secession from the First Church of 
seventy-five, and from his own of four members, to join Mr. 
Campbell, and adds that the feeling is better between the two 
churches, and both are quite prosperous ; that his own congre- 
gation w-as increasing; that a large vestry or Sunday-school 
room had just been built behind the meeting-house; and that 
the school was large : all the young church-members were 
steady, and many becoming useful. 

Having been, as we saw, largely instrumental in originating 
the Virginia Baptist Educational Society, he was thencefor- 
ward pressed into active service in the prosecution of the enter- 
prise. Under date of July 14 he writes to his father: "My 
time has been very much engrossed in our education concerns, 
and I have consequently been unable to devote as much atten- 
tion to pastoral duties as I should wish. The Virginia Bap- 
tist Seminary has just been located within four miles of Kich- 
mond, and Brother Ryland is engaged in the instruction of our 
young brethren. I have become pledged, with four or five 
others, for one thousand dollars each, to be raised during the 
present year. Of this sum I have obtained about eight hun- 
dred dollars. I expect to spend the month of August and. 
part of September in the counties of Caroline, Spottsylvania, 



100 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

Fauquier, Madison, Culpeper, etc. on this business. My mind 
has been so deeply interested in this subject that I am some- 
times ready to give up every other employment and labor spe- 
cially in this department of usefulness. Something must and 
will be done for elevating the standard of improvement among 
the ministry of our denomination." 

Early in the spring, J. B. Jeter had written him that all 
things were ready for the proposed camp-meeting, and ear- 
nestly claiming the fulfillment of his promise to be present and 
help. The following extracts continue the history of his labors : 

[To his Father.] 

Richmond, July 30, 1832. 

; . . . I expect (if the Lord will) to start on my proposed journey to- 
morrow night ; shall take the stage to Tappahannock, then proceed by 
steamboat to the camp-meeting, and afterward go to Culpepper, etc. I 
am looking forward with great anxiety to the results of my tour. I have 
already on my subscription-book about nine hundred dollars. I hope to 
get five hundred dollars more on this tour. Our school has gone into 
operation under auspicious circumstances. We liave a beautiful farm, 
and twelve young men, under the care of Brother Eyland, who labor 
three hours every day.* Several others are expected. 

Times in our church are quite encouraging. On Lord's Day I baptized 
five persons, four of them young men of promise. Two were the eldest 
sons of Brother Crane, and both will probably engage in the ministry. 
Five or six others are waiting to come forward. Our Sunday-school, 
Bible-class, and other institutions are now in a flourishing condition, and 
many, I trust, through their means, are to rise up and call the Saviour 
blessed 

September 5. My recent trip was on the whole agreeable. The Lord 
is carrying on his good work in various parts of the State. I believe 
that a number of active and useful ministers are to be raised up from the 
revivals of the last year. I heard of several whilst I was away, some of 
whom will, I have no doubt, enter our institution. I believe there are 
three or four who are likely to preach, in our church, and half a dozen 
in the First Church. 

The results of the camp-meeting in Lancaster were most heart-cheering. 

He was cut short in his agency-work by the appearance of 

* The school was established on the manual-labor plan, but this plan, not 
working well, was in a few years abolished. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 101 

the cholera in Richmond. Some would have thought this an 
added reason for choosing to travel in the country. He, how- 
ever, deemed it his duty to stand at his post, and acted accord- 
ingly, though in so doing he nearly fell a sacrifice to his 
convictions. His letters and diary tell the story. The fact 
which he mentions concernino; the colored members of his 
church is very remarkable, while his own course in the matter 
was characteristic. He was, throughout his pastoral life, in 
the habit of paying special attention to the colored people, 
and while fearless in going into danger when it was necessary, 
he was a model of prudence and caution. 

[To his Father.] 

Richmond, September 17, 1832. 

The cholera has made ravages in our city. During the last Aveek it 
was confined principally to the blacks, but on yesterday and to-day a 
number of whites have been taken. It has thus far proved very malig- 
nant. Several have not survived the attack more than three or four 
hours. What are called the premonitory symptoms prevail very exten- 
sively in the city ; a large number of our brethren and congregation are 
quite sick. I had procured a horse and made the necessary arrange- 
ments to start up the country this morning, but our friends here are 
almost unanimously opposed to my leaving, and indeed I cannot myself 
think it my duty under existing circumstances to go. I have concluded, 
therefore, to defer my trip. I regret the necessity of disappointing all 
my meetings, but I would be resigned to the appointments of an all-wise 
Providence. I am extremely anxious to see my dear parents and all the 
family. I trust I shall yet enjoy this pleasure before the winter comes 
on. I have many things to say — more, I fear, than I shall be able to 
recollect 

Brother Kerr expects to give up the pastoral care of the First Church. 
He considers it his duty to itinerate, and intends to ride all over the 
State and hold protracted meetings. I feel considerable anxiety in rela- 
tion to his successor. The church have written to a Brother Colver of the 
State of New York. If they fail in him, they will try to obtain Brother 
William F. Broaddus. He is a most excellent man, and possesses fine 
talents. I think I may say he stands almost at the head of the ministry 
in Virginia. I spent several days with him in my recent tour, and know 
of no man with whom I should prefer to be associated in pastoral labor. 
He is, however, engaged at present in a most important section. The 
ground he now occupies has been the seat of Antinomianism, and a most 
9* 



102 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

extensive revolution has been produced through his instrumentality. I 
can scarcely believe it his duty to leave that region ; besides, the people 
will hardly release him. The Lord, I trust, will direct in this important 
matter. Of one thing I am persuaded — that Brother Kerr is well quali- 
fied to labor throughout the country. 

[From his Diary.] 

September 21st. The cholera is now raging in this city. Though 
there is abundant reason to believe that this is a special visitation from 
God against the intemperance and luxury of men, how strangely un- 
mindful are they at this time ! They sport and rebel against their 
Maker, even in sight of this signal display of his wrath. Some are so 
hardy in their presumption that they hesitate not to indulge in unholy 
jesting in regard to the prevailing disease. On last Wednesday a 
merchant of this city was heard to indulge in profanity and jest on this 
subject, and when gently reproved by a friend, declared that he wished to 
live and die a swearer. Now he is a corpse ! He was taken the next day, 
and beneath the touch of disease was speedily prostrated. God will not 
be mocked ! 

September 22d. The cholera will, I trust, be instrumental in turning 
some to the Lord in this city. I have been called on to celebrate the 
rites of marriage between two persons who have lived together fourteen 
years, and who have four interesting children. The man has steadily 
resisted all the importunities of his companion, although he has fre- 
quently promised to take this step. Last week a number of his friends 
sickened and died, and with much apparent contrition for his past con- 
duct he proposed a legal union. I passed an agreeable evening at the 
wedding, employing most of the time in religious conversation with him. 
He professes to be anxious about his soul. I was particularly gratified 
at the pleasure manifested by his wife. Never did I see a happier 
bride. They seemed to be in comfortable circumstances. 

(Since the above was written the man has died, professing conversion, 
and his wife has joined the church.) "" 

Under date of November 23d he writes to his father: "I am 
still feeble, and unable to engage in any heavy labor. I have 
preached but three sermons in seven weeks. During the 
prevalence of the cholera my labors were so heavy that my 
system broke down under them, and I was confined to my 
room for four weeks. I trust, however, to derive benefit from 
this affliction, and to be better prepared, should I entirely re- 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOPw. 103 

cover, for active usefulness. I am extremely anxious to see 
you all, and but for my feeble health and the condition of my 
family I should certainly go up next week ; but all think such 
a journey at this season would be very imprudent, as my blood 
is very thin and I am liable to take cold." 
Again he writes : 

[To Ms Father.] 

November 24, 1832. 

.... J. informs me that mother was quite sick for two or three days 
on hearing that I was dead. I am sorry that such a pang was experi- 
enced, especially as there was no real occasion for it. I have, however, 
been very ill. I was taken the day before Brother W. left Richmond, 
and did not leave the house in four weeks, the physician attending me 
twice a day for ten days. I am, however, recovering fast. I have the 
use of a horse, and ride out frequently, but am too feeble to take much 
exercise at a time 

I feel confident I did my duty in remaining at my post in the hour of 
peril and suffering. I was constantly engaged visiting the sick and 
dying. We have reason to be grateful that but two cases and one death 
occurred in our church and congregation. What is perhaps quite re- 
markable, not a single individual among our colored members had the 
disease, although we have one hundred in number and that class princi- 
pally suffered, I lectured them on Sabbath, after preaching, in refer- 
ence to diet, exposure, etc I have just purchased a horse, and if 

spared shall ride principally in performing pastoral duty during the 
winter. This was found in some measure necessary, as walking fatigues 
and injures me. The expense will be considerable, but I shall probably 
make some arrangement, by preaching occasionally in the country, to 
defray it. 

During the last summer my health has been so feeble, and my labors 
so numerous and heavy, that I have found myself subject to despondency. 
Often, when scarcely able to be out, I would be engaged the whole day ; 
and the idea of filling my present situation without discharging the duties 
of a pastor would render me quite unhappy. Indeed, I have sometimes 
almost come to the conclusion that I shall be compelled to give up the 
church and seek some respite of present duty until my health is restored. 
I have thought that if I could have my mind relieved of the cares of a 
city pastor and spend some time at manual labor, at my trade or on a 
little farm, I should again enjoy health. This, I have supposed, might be 
done, and yet leave sufficient time to preach twice a week or more. All 
the members of the church, however, to whom I have mentioned it have 



104 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

protested against my resignation. They might be willing to dispense 
with ray services a while. I have determined to take more bodily exer- 
cise than formerly. A few tools have been purchased, and I shall occa- 
sionally exercise myself at the bench, and besides this ride a little every 
day. This I shall find absolutely necessary. The church has been 
quite unwilling I should too soon engage in active toil. In this respect 
much kindness has been shown 

And how, my dear father and mother, do you progress in these re- 
spects? I sometimes think of days gone by with the liveliest pleasure. 
There are the morning walks and familiar fireside conversations, a father's 
instructions and a mother's love ; all of which rush upon the mind and 
produce emotions unutterable. Then I think of the rapid flight of time, 
of the approaching old age of those whom I shall never cease to love as 
the authors of my being and the guides of my youth. I think of the 
hour when I too shall die. But faith raises the curtain which hides 
eternity from time, and reveals a world of pure, unmixed, and permanent 
delight. There we shall all, I trust, meet and unite to admire and adore 
the Triune God. There friendship will find its full completion, and dis- 
tance and death no more separate kindred spirits. I trust you both enjoy 
these delightful anticipations, and live under their influence 

I have said nothing in this letter about Mr. Campbell's sentiments. 
You no doubt saw the step * which the Dover Association has taken, 
mentioned in the Herald. This is the only way to prevent the distress- 
ing influence of this system when it once begins to operate. The best 
method, however, to keep it from our churches is to have them actively 
engaged in every good word and work. They have then no time to dis- 
pute. I would that all our churches were laboring to spread abroad the 
savor of a Redeemer's name all over the earth ! 



[To his Father.] 

December 17, 1832. 

"VVe expect to have a four-days' meeting in Richmond, commencing on 

Wednesday night. The examination of the school f takes place to-day. 

* The action referred to was the almost unanimous adoption of a report pre- 
sented by a select committee; which report recommended to the churches of 
the body "to separate from their communion all such persons as are pro- 
moting controversy and discord under the specious name of 'Reformers.'" 
The report also specified several ministers within the bounds of the body wno 
had become identified with the Reformers, and whom, therefore, the Associa- 
tion could no longer receive. This report was drawn up by Elder John Kerr, 
and was concurred in by Elders James B. Taylor, J. B. Jeter, and P. Mon- 
tague, who were members of the committee. 

I The Virginia Baptist Seminary, 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 105 

Our prospects in the cause of education are encouraging, and I look for- 
ward, with the blessing of God, to happy results. I think we shall be 
the instruments of cultivating the minds of many men who would other- 
wise remain in ignorance 

We have recently commenced another Sunday-school* in the suburbs 
of the city. The teachers are all members of the Second Church 

The Reformers are now holding a protracted meeting in this city. The 
six ministers excluded by the Dover Association are here and preaching 
in their new meeting-house. 

[From his Diarj'.] 

December 27. I have this day to record the goodness of God in the 
birth of a son. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me 
bless his holy name ! I have reason to be thankful that the mother and 
child are both well, and I trust that both will continue so. Though my 
responsibility is increased by the reception of this gift, I would not have 
it otherwise. I will not shrink from the new and increased duties de- 
volving on me. I will prize this babe as the pledge of mutual love, and 
call him my child, and yet I will listen to the voice of God's providence, 
which says, " Take him and nurse him for me, and I will pay thee thy 
wages." Oh that I may fulfill my duty in such a manner as will tend to 
the spiritual good and usefulness of the child should he live, and as will 
bear the inspection of the judgment-day ! Lord, direct me. Sujffer me 
not through mistaken fondness to indulge those depraved propensities 
which may develop themselves from year to year. Oh take this boy into 
thine arms and bless him — make him the subject of every needed favor 
here, and prepare him for thy heavenly kingdom ! Amen. 

January 1, 1833. In surveying the past year I find much to humble 
me and to excite emotions of gratitude. Having suffered much bodily 
aflliction, I wonder that I am not more conformed to the image of my 
Lord — that my confinement to the house and the pain I have suffered 
have not weaned me more effectually from sensual delights. This hum- 
bles me. But let me not be discouraged. I will press forward. I will 
strive to become more heavenly-minded during the present year, and to 
exert a more happy and holy influence on those around me. I will en- 
deavor to read more devoutly and attentively the sacred Scriptures, and 
give myself more than ever to prayer 

January 5th, Saturday night. The past week I have preached five 
times, attended five other religious meetings and a Bible-class, have 
visited a number of persons, and conversed with some to whom I never 
before mentioned the subject of religion. May God prosper these efforts I 

* This was the beginning of the Third (afterward Gx ace Street) Church. 



106 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

January 19. The recent intelligence from Burmah is deeply interest- 
ing. There seems to be an almost literal waiting for the salvation of 
God among the tribes of that land. How pressing the need of more 
laborers to scatter the seed of the kingdom, to teach the wretched Bur- 
mese the way of life ! Oh that I could go! — that my qualifications were 
sufficient to allow me a place among the little band who are wearing out 
their lives there ! I should account it a rich privilege to be permitted to 
assist them in any way. But this I can do here. If I may not myself 
tell the love of a Saviour to the benighted heathen, I can see to it that 
something be done for the support of those who do go. This I will do. 
May God prosper the Burman mission and all other missions, and fill 
the whole earth with his glory ! 

January 24. For a day or two past my mind has been much refreshed 
in contemplating the advocacy of Jesus Christ. He is an Intercessor at 
the right hand of God on behalf of guilty man. The innocence of the 
accused is not pleaded, neither does the Advocate seek the justification of 
the sinner at the expense of law, but presents his merits as available. 
He is, by way of emphasis. The Righteous. Ko poor sinner need fear 
that his cause will be neglected by the Saviour if it be presented to him, 
neither will the justice of God seek any other satisfaction than that 
which was offered on Calvary. 

June 6. The annual meetings of the General Association and Educa- 
tion Society have just closed. I look upon this as a new era in the his- 
tory of our denomination in this State. More than fifty ministers at- 
tended, and between seven and eight thousand dollars were subscribed 
and collected for various objects. May the Lord give wisdom to his peo- 
ple, and succeed all their good plans to his own praise ! 

For several months during the year 1833 the Second Church 
maintained two meetings each week in the north-western part 
of the city, with a view to the origination of another church. 
This desirable result was consummated toward the close of the 
year, and the Third Baptist Church was constituted on the 2d 
day of December. 1833, and an excellent house of worship 
was soon erected on a very eligible site. IVIr. Taylor in a letter 
to his father thus refers to the subject : " A third church has 
been constituted. Only one Avent from the First Church; so 
that like Jacob, who with his ' staff passed over Jordan,' the 
Second Church has 'become two bands.' They are erecting 
a beautiful house of worship in a very convenient part of the 
city. All the churches are very much united. The Second 



LIFE AND TIMZS OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 107 

Church will, I think, soon make arrangements for a fourth 
church, in the lower part of the city." It is evident that this 
pastor and his church were governed by no selfish feelings and 
held no narrow views ; and their policy is in striking contrast 
with what is often seen — an overgrown church refusing to 
divide till the devil gets in and divides them, and a pastor 
holding on with death-grip to his members, though they may 
be really in each other's way and neglecting mission-fields all 
around them. We do not wonder to find this pastor able in the 
same letter to write the following, for with churches also is it 
true " there is that scattereth and yet increaseth :" 

We have had a most interesting state of things in the Second Church 
for some months. The members have been more decidedly and exem- 
plarily pious, and their concern for dying sinners has been more mani- 
fest. Many in the congregation have been serious, and some deeply 
anxious respecting the interests of their souls. Just before the protracted 
meeting I baptized five whites, and an increasing interest among the peo- 
ple was apparent. The meeting was expected to continue four or five 
days, instead of which it was kept up sixteen, during which a most power- 
ful display of divine power and mercy was made. On Lord's Day week 
I baptized twenty-four persons, twenty-one of whom were whites. Brother 
Hinton at the same time baptized twenty-eight, fourteen of whom were 
colored persons — not the fruits of the revival. Last Sunday he baptized 
thirteen whites. To-morrow I expect to baptize twenty-six, twenty-three 
of whom are whites. One of these is a Presbyterian lady who has been 
much opposed to the Baptists. I expect also to baptize an Episcopalian 
lady, belonging to the bishop's church and; connected with some of the 
most fashionable and wealthy families of the city. I mention this, not 
because wealth or distinction in society is any recommendation to a 
church, but to prove the power of truth amidst so many counteracting 
circumstances. Her children have been quite averse to it, but she has 
determined to do her duty, and I believe she will be blessed 

December 24. I have been so busy that I could not finish this letter 
before. Since the above lines were written I have baptized twenty- 
two, and eight or ten are now waiting. We have received nearly sixty, 
fifty of whom are whites, and a large proportion of whom are men, 
some of them very valuable. The Lord has done great things for us. 
Our church is in a peculiarly happy state, all our meetings well attended, 
and the most afiectionate spirit prevails. It would do you good to be 
at some of our church or prayer-meetings. It is said by £cr,ie who are 



108 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

disinterested judges that the Second Church is the most efficient Baptist 
church in Virginia. Whilst I believe this, I can only say, "This is 
the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes." ** What hath God 
wrought?" I am continually saying to. myself, for I feel that I am but 
a poor unworthy instrument, without having any right to attribute any 
praise to myself. The Lord has wrought all my works in me, and 
himself blessed my labor, and to him be all the glory ascribed. Our 
Sabbath-school is now acknowledged to be the best in the city, number- 
ing more than a hundred in attendance. I have reason to be humbled 
in the dust, and thankful to God for the peculiar regard which the 
members of the church manifest toward me. Indeed, I may say that 
they love each other to a very great extent with a pure heart fervently. 

The church-letter to the Association is also in very cheerful 
strain, speaking of two flourishing Sunday-schools, a youth's 
foreign missionary society, raising one hundred dollars annu- 
ally, a tract society, a maternal association, and of seventeen 
hundred and twenty dollars contributed during the year for 
various missionary, educational, and Sunday-school purposes. 
It mentions, moreover, that the members, with scarcely a 
single exception, had abandoned the habitual use of ardent 
spirits — a statement that ^vould be very significant now, and 
that meant even more then. 

During this year he became a property-holder. Under date 
of October 15, 1833, he wTites to his father : 

" I have at length bought the house and lot we looked at 
when you were here. It was sold at auction last week, and 
quite unexpectedly to myself I became the purchaser. I am 
to give sixteen hundred and fifteen dollars for it, one-half to 
be paid in four months, the other half in six months. The 
house has ten rooms, and will need repairs to the amount of 
two hundred dollars. There is ground to make five or six 
good building-lots. Every one tells me I have made a good 
bargain. Mr. Crane thinks I ought not to take twenty-five 
hundred dollars for it now, and Brother Greenhow (an excel- 
lent judge) says it will be worth double the sum I gave for it 
in five years. I cannot but conclude it providential. May 
the Lord's goodness make me humble and devoted ! I shall 
be able, the Lord willing, to pay the whole amount due, within 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 109 

one or two hundred dollars ; the rest I can easily borrow, and 
could five times as much were it necessary." 

It is a pleasing coincidence that this dwelling, in which Mr. 
Taylor resided for about twenty years and reared all his chil- 
dren, had been the residence of Elder Joshua Morris, who, in 
1780, organized the First Baptist Church in Kichmond, con- 
sisting of fourteen members, and was its first pastor. On the 
same square also had stood their house of worship, a small 
frame edifice. At that period Richmond was a mere village, 
containing not more than two hundred and fifty houses. The 
Capitol had not been built, and the beautiful eminence it 
adorns was covered with unsightly pines. There was only one 
house of worship in the city — St. John's — and in this there 
was preaching but three times a year, Christmas, Easter, and 
Whitsuntide. The Baptist meeting-house above referred to 
then stood far beyond the limits of the city, and was sur- 
rounded by the primeval forest.* 

As has been seen, Mr. Taylor was, from his earliest ministry, 
deeply interested in foreign missions. Often did he yearn over 
the heathen and long to preach the gospel to them. But when 
in the providence of God this was denied him, he sought to 
do all in his power at home for that great cause. Large 
numbers of subscribers to the missionary publications of the 
Boston Board were secured by him in Richmond and over 
Virginia, and his church for years sent up annually among 
the most liberal contributions to that object which were made 
in the entire land. It was therefore not strange that the 
Board, desiring some person to accompany Mr. Wade through 
the Southern States and to become a General Agent in Vir- 
ginia for foreign missions, selected him. This was communi- 
cated to him, and he was earnestly urged to accept the posi- 
tion, both by Dr. Bolles, the Corresponding Secretary, and by 
Deacon Heman Lincoln, the disinterested Treasurer of the 
Board. The question thus presented was one not easy of 

* The facts, and in part the language, of this paragraph are from a manu- 
script discourse by Rev. J. B. Jeter, D.D., on the "History of the First Bap- 
tist Church, Richnaond." 
10 



1 10 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

decision. Between his love for his church and his usefulness 
among them, on the one hand, and his ardent devotion to 
foreign missions on the other, it was hard to learn the path 
of duty. The following extracts from his letter to Dr. Bolles 
show his state of mind. After expressing his sense of the 
importance of the agency, he continued : 

There are counter-considerations, of which, ray dear brother, you are 
doubtless aware. The church of which I am pastor is at present, and in- 
deed has been for two or three years past, in a most interesting condition. 
We have about three hundred and fifty members, all of whom, with the 
exception of twelve or fifteen, have been brought in since I settled among 
them ; and it may be supposed that my influence over their minds will 
be greater than that of many others who are much my superiors in every 
respect. Many of these are young men, who, with proper culture, will 
become greatly useful in the kingdom of the Eedeemer. The most per- 
fect harmony prevails, and the spirit of laborious activity in the cause of 
Christ is increasing. There is, besides, the management of our benevo- 
lent institutions, and particularly of our State paper, which falls on a 
few individuals. In all these things I can say, with becoming humility, 
the Lord is making me the instrument of some good in his service. As 
I said before, however, I scarcely know what to do. The cause of f»r- 
eign missions ought to be brought distinctly before all our churches, and 
should it not be found my duty to assume this responsibility, I do trust 
the services of some one will be secured. I shall lay the subject before 
the church and solicit their advice. 

In relation to Brother and Sister Wade's visit to the South, allow me, 
my dear brother, to inquire whether it would not be consistent with your 
engagements to accompany them ? or might not Brother Lincoln or 
Dr. Sharp take this tour? We should rejoice to see either of you with 
them. If no one more suitable than myself can be found, I think I 
might at least be able to go on the journey you propose, rendering them 
such assistance as they might need. 

The question thus presented to him he laid before his church, 
asking their advice. They made the matter a subject of 
special prayer. The final result was his declinature of the 
position. To his letter announcing his decision. Dr. Bolles re- 
plied affectionately as follows: "Your favor, postmarked the 
14th, came to hand this morning, and the information it gives 
of the kind and truly Christian manner in which your church 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. Ill 

entertained the question submitted to their consideration has 
endeared them to us greatly. The question was one of much 
importance, and we knew from its nature must come home to 
their bosoms ; but instead of hastily deciding as aflPection and 
interest might dictate, we see them retiring for a month to 
deliberate and pray. Oh this was as it should be! And 
though our wishes are not gratified, yet, trusting the decision 
was dictated from on high, we fully acquiesce. We are still 
desirous to obtain the right man for an agency in your State, 
and we shall recur to hints contained in your former letters 
respecting it ; but should anything further occur to you which 
might be useful in guiding us to a judicious choice, I hope you 
will favor us with it." 

Mr. Taylor's suggestion that Dr. Bolles himself should 
accompany Mr. Wade on his Southern tour was accepted, and 
in May, 1834, the party spent a few days in Richmond. We 
copy from Mr. Taylor's diary his entry for these days : 

Saturday, 17th. Visited three families, attended Bible-class, married 

Mr. . At night saw Dr. Bolles and Brother and Sister Wade, 

who have just arrived in Bichmond. Found it a peculiarly interesting 
privilege to behold those dear servants of God. I hope that their visit 
may be blessed to the people of this city. 

Sunday, 18th. Funeral of a colored person. Mr. Wade preached at 
Second Church in the morning, and the Burmese convert made some 
remarks, which were interpreted by Mr. Wade. In the afternoon 
Brother Eyland preached, and at night all met at the First Church. 
Mr. Wade preached, and the converted Burmese answered several ques- 
tions which were proposed to him through Mr. Wade. The whole day 
presented the most impressive scenes. The Lord make them useful ! 

Monday, 19th. Funeral of a man not a professor of religion : Psalm 
xxxix. 5. Attended dedication of meeting-house of Third Baptist Church ; 
Dr. Bolles preached. In the afternoon he addressed colored people at the 
Second Church, and at night spoke at the First Church, the Burman and 
Karen also speaking through an interpreter. A solemn time. 

Tuesday, 20th. Spent most of the day with the missionary friends, 
and a most heavenly season it was. Crowds of people waited on them 
all day. 

But while Mr. Taylor did not see it his duty to accept an 
agency for the Boston Board, he continued to be one of its 



112 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

most earnest and efficient supporters. Not long after this, the 
Board becoming embarrassed, he raised in his church a special 
subscription of considerably over one thousand dollars to re- 
lieve its necessities. This was probably one of the most liberal 
subscriptions ever made anywhere for missionary purposes. 
Between himself and the venerable Dr. Bolles and Deacon 
Lincoln the w^armest friendship subsisted — a friendship based 
not only on personal grounds, but on a common interest in the 
foreign mission-work. In the last months of his life, when at 
the White Sulphur Springs, his heart glowed when he heard 
that the nephew of his old friend Dr. Bolles was there, and he 
hastened to call upon him. 

The meeting of the General Association of this year was pe- 
culiarly pleasant. About a hundred ministers were present. 
After the meeting he wrote to his father, who had attended : 

You liave now been permitted to see many of whom you have heard 
me speak in terms of affection — a pleasure you have long wished to enjoy. 
All our enjoyments, however, are mingled with pain. After spending a 
few happy days with congenial minds we were compelled to separate. 
How pleasing the thought that we shall soon meet in "the general assem- 
bly and church of the first-born, whose names are written in heaven." . . . 

It has been one of the severest trials of my life to be so far removed 
from my dear parents, and so I believe it has been with you. I often 
think of those Sunday-morning walks before breakfast, when, with the 
word of life or some other valuable book, we have spent hours in reading 
and conversation. Never shall I forget the hundreds of pleasant seasons 
when we have walked to the house of God in company, and shortened 
the distance by the contemplation of divine things. I think I can say 
with heartfelt satisfaction, in looking back on the past, "Mine has been a 
happy lot." The Lord has been my shepherd still. Soon our trials will 
be over. We shall shortly be delivered from earth's temptations, from 
the plague of a heart ever prone to depart from the chief good. 

After having been much engaged in preaching in different 
parts of the State, he in July attended the camp-meeting in the 
Northern Neck. This was the meeting attended by Dr. An- 
drew Read of the deputation from the Congregational Union 
of England and Wales. Mr. Jeter presided over and man- 
aged the meeting, it being on his field. The preaching vras 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 113 

done by Claybrook, Shuck, Kepiton, Ball, Northern, Marders, 
Micou, and Taylor. The last named preached several times, 
besides laboring in other ways. Mr. Read of London preached 
from Acts iii. 19. Mr. Taylor says in his diary: "A most 
overpowering efiect was produced by the discourse." The fol- 
lowing extracts are taken from Mr. Read's interesting account 
of the meeting : 

The usual prayer-meeting was held at eight o'clock ; it was conducted 
by Mr. Jeter. Prayers were offered for several classes, and with good 
effect. To me it was a happy introduction to the more public service to 
come. I wandered away again into my beloved forest, to preserve my 
impressions and to collect my thoughts. At eleven o'clock the service 
began. I took my place on the stand ; it was quite full. The seats and 
all the avenues to them were also quite full. Numbers were standing, 
and for the sake of being within hearing were contented to stand. It was 
evident that rumor had gone abroad, and that an expectation had been 
created that a stranger would preach this morning, for there was a great 
influx of people, and of the most respectable class which this country fur- 
nishes. There were not less than fifteen hundred persons assembled. 
Mr. Taylor offered fervent and suitable prayer. It remained for me to 
preach. I can only say that I did so with earnestness and freedom. I 
soon felt that I had the attention and confidence of the congregation, and 
this gave me confidence. I took care in passing, as my subject allowed, 
to withdraw my sanction from anything noisy and exclamatory, and there 
was through the discourse nothing of the kind, but there was a growing 
attention and stillness over the people. The closing statements and ap- 
peals were evidently falling on the conscience and heart with still ad- 
vancing power. The people generally leaned forward to catch what was 
said. Many rose from their seats, and many, stirred with grief, sank 
down as if to hide themselves from observation ; but all was perfectly 
still. Silently the tear fell, and silently the sinner shuddered. I ceased. 
Nobody moved. I looked round to the ministers for some one to give 
out a hymn. No one looked at me, no one moved. Every moment the 
silence, the stillness, became more solemn and overpowering. Now here 
and there might be heard suppressed sobbing arising on the silence. But 
it could be suppressed no longer ; the fountains of feeling were burst 
open, and one universal wail sprang from the people and ministers, while 
the whole mass sank down on their knees, as if imploring some one to 
pray. I stood resting on the desk, overpowered like the people. The 
presiding pastor arose, and throwing his arms around my neck, ex- 
claimed, " Pray, brother, pray I I fear many of my charge will be found 
10* H 



114 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

on the left hand of the Judge. Oh pray, brother, pray for us !" and then 
lie cast himself on the floor with his brethren to join in the prayer. But 
I could not pray. I must have been more or less than man to have 
uttered prayer at that moment. Nor was it necessary. All in that hour 
were intercessors with God, with tears and cries and groans unutterable. 
• So soon as I could command my state of feeling I tried to offer prayer. 
My broken voice rose gradually on the troubled cries of the people, and 
gradually they subsided, so that they could hear and concur in the com- 
mon supplications. It ceased, and the people rose. We seemed a changed 
people to each other. No one appeared disposed to move from the spot, 
and yet no one seemed disposed for ordinary exercises. Elder Taylor 
moved forward and remarked that " it was evident nothing but prayer 
suited them at this time. And as so many had been impressed by the 
truth who had not been before, he wished, if they were willing, to bring 
it to the test of prayer." He therefore proposed that if such persons 
wished to acknowledge the impression received, and to join in prayer for 
their personal salvation, they should show it by kneeling down, and he 
would pray with them. In an instant, as if instinct wiih one spirit, the 
whole congregation sank down to the ground. It is much, but not too 
much, to say that the prayer met the occasion. When the people again 
arose one of the brethren was about to address them, but I thought noth- 
ing could be so salutary to them as their own reflections and prayers, and 
I ventured to request that he would dismiss the meeting. 

Thus closed the most remarkable service I have ever witnessed. It 
has been my privilege to see more of the solemn and powerful efiect of 
divine truth on large bodies of people than many, but I never saw any- 
thing equal to this — so deep, so overpowering, so universal. 

For two years the Virginia Baptist Seminary had been 
located about five miles from Richmond. In 1834 the present 
site of Richmond College was secured at a cost, first, of ninety- 
five hundred dollars, and afterward of three thousand dollars 
more for additional ground. Mr. Taylor assumed heavy pecu- 
niary responsibility, as he had done when the seminary was 
first established. He also took, with the consent of his church, 
at considerable sacrifice and inconvenience, a gratuitous agency 
of several weeks, in the course of which he secured thirty-nine 
hundred dollars in subscriptions and twelve hundred dollars 
in cash for the institution ; and as the latter payments matured, 
he secured, by correspondence, the co-operation of brethren in 
all parts of the State ; so that the necessary means were finally 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 115 

secured with comparatively little expense. His agency was a 
very toilsome one, especially as he sought still to do necessary 
pastoral work. Y/e find him filling an appointment in the 
country, riding home, paying a needed pastoral visit, and then 
preaching or attending some Board-meeting at night. After 
such labors it is not wonderful that he occasionally speaks of 
" feeling languid " or even " depressed.-^' He was also often 
compelled to be away when his tenderest feelings to wife and 
children would have detained him at home. But it is a re- 
markable fact that while on several occasions the latter were 
very ill, the Lord spared them, so that he never lost a child, 
and in some instances their restoration seemed almost miracu- 
lous. Under date of November 4, 1834, he writes : 

Since I last wrote we have lost our excellent brother and my personal 
friend, William Crane, with his family. We miss them much. Our 
church, however, is in a very prosperous condition. The Lord has 
blessed us with three deacons, pious, active, and perfectly of one mind 
in all good things. Thev are a great stay and support to me. The 
most perfect harmony exists in the church. The Lord be praised ! 
May we all maintain a humble position at the foot of the cross, and 
continually remember whence all our blessings come ! 

As you remark in your letter, when I last wrote our dear little boy 
was very low. The recovery (all say) is like a resurrection from the 
dead. During most of the time I was away, laboring at protracted 
meetings in Goochland and Lancaster counties. His dear mother suf- 
fered much fatigue and anxiety ; two or three times she had given him 
up to die. The Lord has spared him, and I trust for some valuable 
purpose. I think both his mother and myself desire that the dear 
children may be reared up for usefulness in this world, and educated 
with reference to a holier and better state of existence in the world 
to come. 

Mr. Crane removed to Baltimore with distinct reference to 
building up the Baptist cause in that city, and from that time 
his old pastor, the subject of this Memoir, also became some- 
what intimately identified with the Baptist cause there, fre- 
quently going thither to preach, and aiding the brethren by 
his counsel in reference to the procuring of ministers and in 
other matters. He participated in the formation of the Cal- 



116 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

vert Street (now High Street) Church, and also took an active 
part in the constitution of the Seventh Church. When Mr. 
Jeter, then in the Northern Neck of Virginia, was invited to 
settle in Baltimore, Mr. Taylor earnestly urged him to go. 
Among other things, he wrote ; " I seriously question whether 
there is any position in the whole United States which may be 
filled by an industrious, judicious, and pious Baptist minister 

more advantageously than Baltimore It is a shame to 

the Baptist denomination that no church of any standing, 
maintaining the doctrine and practice of the apostles, is to 
be found in that city of eighty thousand inhabitants. Ought 
not individuals and churches to make sacrifices in its behalf? 
If you go you will meet many impediments and discourage- 
ments, but I verily believe, with the divine blessing, success 
will attend your labors. By an industrious application to 
pastoral labors you will by degrees wind your way among the 
people, and, instead of twenty or fifty or one hundred, you will 
have a congregation of one thousand. And I do believe that 
you may calculate on putting in train operations which will 
result in the origination of many churches. 

..." I do honestly think that you ought at once to decide 

to go and brave all the difficulties Leave not Brother 

Crane to grapple with these difficulties alone ; identify your- 
self with him, and the Lord go with you." 

When the Seventh Church was formed, Mr. Taylor used 
all his influence to induce Dr. Fuller to accept their call and 
settle in Baltimore. 

[To the Second Baptist Church.] 

Richmond, January 6, 1835. 
Dearly Beloved Brethren: I have thought it might not be 
improper in itself, or uninteresting to you, that I should present a short 
statement of my labors during the year 1834. By a vote of the church 
I was allowed to employ a few weeks in a gratuitous agency on behalf 
of the Virginia Baptist Education Society. I was away on the A^ork 
thirty-five days. I found quite unexpected liberality among the breth- 
ren in the neighborhoods I visited, having received in subscriptions 
nearly four thousand dollars, and collected more than thirteen hundred 
dollars. In addition to this, I was away twelve days in the Northern 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 117 

Neck and ten days in Goochland, repaying Brethren Jeter and Fife for 
labors bestowed at our protracted meetings. Besides, in attending 
funerals, constitution of churches, and protracted meetings I have been 
absent thirty-nine days. Deducting these from the working days of 
the year, there are left two hundred and seventeen days. During these 
weeks I have made rather more than six hundred pastoral visits, 
averaging nearly three every day. During the year I have preached 
two hundred and forty-seven times, making nearly an average of five 
sermons every week. Many weeks I have been at some meeting every 
night, and on an average was from home five out of seven nights. I 
have had much labor in connection with benevolent associations, having 

been called upon to attend Boards or committees very frequently 

There is a defect in the church which has given me much pain. A 
large number of the members are accustomed to satisfy their consciences 
by an attendance on our regular meetings only once a week — viz., on 
Lord's Day morning. If it be thought that because I receive a support 
for my labor, and am the pastor of the church, it is more my duty than 
that of other members in good health to attend the house of God, I 
should think the sooner such an improper sentiment were rectified the 
better. .... 

[Letter from William Crane to J. B. Taylor.] 

Baltimore, December 29, 1834. 
.... And now, my dear brother Taylor, I have this proposition to 
make to you, and I hope and trust you will not answer me " nay." I 
wish you to fix on a time to come here, the earliest day possible, as any 
time will answer us here ; and I wish by all means for Brother Kerr to 
come with you, and I shall write him a pressing request to do so. I 
should wish you both to tarry certainly three Sundays at least, and 
devote the time not only to Calvert Street, but to raising up and restor- 
ing to health and activity the Sharp Street Church too. Brother 
Broaddus's labors have produced a most interesting state of things in 
that church, but they are in great need of such labor as you and Brother 

Kerr could give them by such a visit If you don't come, I know 

of no one who will do it. You might not be successful in all the objects 
I have mentioned, but let me entreat you to come and try. I should be 
extremely sorry not to get Brother Kerr to come with you, but if he can- 
not come, try Brother Fife or Brother Ball ; or I would leave it to your 

judgment to get whoever we can Brother did much 

while here for Sharp Street Church, but you know he is not a town- 
preacher, and not acquainted with pastoral duties in a town. I should 
hope Brother Broaddus will meet you here at least for a few days, as no 
one could be of as much service as he would in such a work. I wish 



118 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

you to fix the time and engage the brethren to come with you ; and if 
you come you had best get our Brother Plumer to give you a line to 
some of his friends here 

[Letter from W. F. Broaddus to J. B. Taylor.] 

MiDDLEBURG, Va., December 27, 1834. 

.... With respect to the protracted meeting in Baltimore, I have to 
inform you that it will be out of my power to make such a trip this 
winter. I serve ten congregations, visiting them all monthly, and I 
find it very difficult to get my place supplied by other laborers. I am 
indeed almost alone here. I feel much for Baltimore, and if I can get 

any spare time it shall be given to that service I am extremely 

anxious to have the aid of some good brethren in this hardened country. 
I am placed here between the consuming fire of Arminianism and the 
freezing winds of Antinomianism. Sometimes I am called a Pelagian, 
sometimes an Antinomian, and sometimes a Campbellite. Mean- 
while, my spirit is at times discouraged by the fearful majority which 
these combinations present against me. Could I now and then have the 
aid of judicious brethren from a distance, I have no doubt it would help 
me much through grace. Do, my dear brother, think of this destitute 
region, and if you can possibly spare a week or two, spend it with us. 
.... I am at this time engaged in a controversy about baptism. It 
is the first affair of the kind I have ever been concerned with. It does 
not suit my constitution at all, but I have been literally driven into it. 
I trust some good has already appeared as resulting from the controversy. 

Early in 1835 Mr. Taylor spent about three weeks in preach- 
ing in Baltimore in connection with Elder John Kerr. An 
impulse was given to the cause in that city at this time, and 
the Calvert Street Church was formed. While in Washing- 
ton he experienced much gratification in hearing Henry Clay 
speak. He also attended a funeral of one of the members of 
Congress in the Capitol. Whilst the President, General Jack- 
son, was retiring, a man said to be insane snapped two pistols 
at him, producing a fearful tumult. 

In May he attended the meeting of the Triennial Conven- 
tion in Richmond. He described it as a most heavenly season. 

After this meeting he took a somewhat extended trip to the 
North, in which he made collections for the library of the 
seminary. He thus writes to his father : 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 119 

My trip to the North was exceedingly pleasant, especially after the 
jfirst fortnight. You recollect when I left Eichmond I was quite feeble. 
I continued to be so for several days, so that I did not much enjoy the 
anniversaries in New York. I lodged in Brooklyn. You would not 
know that place. It is improving most rapidly. It has thirty thousand 
inhabitants, and at this time there are three hundred houses going up. 
They are advancing in the same ratio in New York, business of all kinds 
being very brisk. 

I spent a week in Connecticut, passing through New Haven, Hart- 
ford, and various villages and towns, after which I remained three 
weeks in Boston and vicinity. During my stay in Boston I took the 
steamboat as far as Portland in the State of Maine. I preached twelve 
times during my absence in Hartford, Boston, Beverly, and Portland, 
besides making several addresses in Boston and Hartford at Sunday- 
school, missionary, and educational meetings. At one or two places 
I received urgent solicitations with a view to settlement. I am not 
convinced, however, that duty requires me to leave my present location, 
nor did I see any people whom I love better than those with whom I 
am now settled. I wish to consider myself the property of the Lord, 
and to do that and to be where I shall most advance his glory. I had 
an opportunity of seeing my wife's relatives and a numerous circle 
of friends, by whom I was treated with the most marked attention and 
kindness. I was frequently with Dr. Sharp, being at his house several 
times. I preached at his church the last Sabbath I was in Boston. I 
called on Mr. Parkinson, spent an hour with him in his study, and 
walked in his company to the upper part of the city. He was very 
urgent on me to preach for him, but as I was not well I declined. 

I returned home quite invigorated in health ; indeed, I know not 
that I was ever better in my life. Release from the cares of pastoral 
duty was almost indispensable to my restoration. The Lord has been 
good in preserving me and mine amidst all the dangers which sur- 
rounded us. 

During this year he devoted considerable time to the ed- 
iting of the Religious Herald, both selecting matter and 
writing editorial articles for its columns. He was also 
frequently engaged in attending to the internal affairs of the 
seminary. 

This year was signalized by the sending forth of Messrs. 
Shuck and Davenport as missionaries to China, and Mr. Wil- 
liam Mylne to Africa. Mr. Mylne and Mrs. Davenport were 
members of the Second Church, and Mrs. Davenport one of 



120 LIFE AND TIMES OP JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

the senior scholars of the Sunday-school, so that to this 
church belongs the honor of sending the first missionary to 
heathen lands from the State of Virginia. 

Toward the close, as at the beginning of this year, he held 
a protracted meeting in Baltimore. At this time he was much 
pressed to enter the service of the American Sunday-School 
Union as their general agent for the South. The letters of 
Dr. John Hall to him on this subject are exceedingly urgent. 
He was also in personal consultation with the Board in Phila- 
delphia. His mind was much exercised as to the question of 
duty. But it was felt by his brethren in Virginia that he 
could not be spared, not only from his pastorate, but from 
those general labors in which he was so active and successful. 
His church also advised against the acceptance, though con- 
ddently committing the decision to him. 

He was at length constrained to decline the position, being 
led to this decision not by personal considerations, nor from 
indifference to the Sunday-school w'ork, nor mainly from his 
connection with his church, dear as that was, but from a 
regard to the general interests of the Baptist denomination in 
Virginia, a number of ministers having left the State, and 
several important enterprises with which he was closely con- 
nected having been commenced and being still in a critical 
condition.* 

This and similar subjects are thus referred to in a letter of 
April 8, 1836, written from Petersburg, where he was then 
laboring in a protracted meeting : 

In the montli of May I expect, if the Lord will, to be in Philadel- 
phia, having accepted an invitation to preach the anniversary discourse 
before the A merican Sunday-School Union, and to assist them in their 
annual meeting. I hesitated much "when the request was received, es- 
pecially as the annual sermons are printed and receive a very extensive 
circulation, knowing, as I did, that there were many others who would 

* At the meeting of the Education Society in 1836 the Board express them- 
selves as "greatly indebted to Brother J. B. Taylor and others for their gratui- 
tous and effective labors in collecting funds for the institution." 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOE. 121 

more ably discuss the subject of Sabbath-school operations. I deter- 
mined, however, to make the attempt, and do the best I could. I shall 
probably go as far as New York. 

I believe I have not written since I resolved to decline the invitation 
of the Sunday-School Union to become their general agent for the 
Southern country. This subject gave me much uneasiness of mind. 
On the one hand, a wide and interesting field of labor was presented 
to my notice in the proposed agency, while on the other the urgent 
claims of the church in Richmond and our denominational interests 
of Virginia called loudly on my sympathies. The ofier of the Board 
was indeed liberal, so far as compensation was concerned, and on many 
accounts the service to which I was called would have been peculiarly 
grateful to my feelings. I have, however, thought it my duty to stay 
with the church in R. At the same time that I received the request 
from Philadelphia two other propositions were made — one by the 
Virginia Education Society, at a salary of one thousand dollars and 
traveling expenses. They wished me to take the interests of the 
institution under my immediate superintendence, and devote my whole 
time to the work. Another was from the West. It was proposed that 
I should go to Illinois under the direction of the Home Mission Society, 
for the purpose of gathering together the scattered disciples which are 
to be found there, to form churches, and to aim at the promotion of the 
general interests- of the Redeemer's kingdom in that widely-extended 
region. After all, I have thought I ought, at least for the present, to 
stay in R., though I trust I should be willing to go anywhere or locate 
in any part of the world if the will of the great Head of the church 
could be ascertained. v. 

The sermon before the American Sunday-School Union he 
preached in Philadelphia on the 23d of May, 1836, and also 
spoke the next day at the anniversary meeting. The sermon 
was based on Matt. xvi. 3 and Isa. xxxiii. 6, and was entitled 
the " Responsibilities and Duties of the Age," and was pub- 
lished in pamphlet ibrm. 

The meeting of the General Association of Virginia in 1836 
was an important one. The contributions had steadily in- 
creased till they had reached twenty-five hundred dollars. 
Missionaries were now employed for their whole time, and the 
policy of occupying important towns and villages began to 
be adopted. 

At this meeting James B. Taylor was elected Moderator 
11 



122 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

of the body, an office to which he was afterward annually re- 
elected for about twenty years. 

It must be remembered that at this time, and indeed till 
1855, the General Association conducted only State missions, 
the other interests being carried on by co-ordinate societies; 
all of them constituting the June meetings. In that year 
matters were simplified by consolidating all the societies into 
one body, styled the General Association, each separate object 
being managed by a Board, as the Education Board, State 
Mission Board, etc. Of the General Association Board, after- 
ward the State Mission Board, Mr. Taylor was for many years, 
and until his death, the President. 

In surveying his brief memoranda of work done, such as ser- 
mons preached, miles traveled, visits made. Boards attended, 
seminary looked after, one feels that every hour of working- 
time must have been crowded, while not a few days had been 
spent on the bed of sickness. It therefore takes one by surprise 
to find in the spring of 1837 that he had completed the " Lives of 
Virginia Baptist Ministers," a volume of some 500 pages, involv- 
ing not merely much work with the pen in direct preparation, 
but immense labor in collecting, sifting, digesting, and arranging 
materials. He had it printed in Baltimore, and spent six weeks 
there superintending the w^ork, having arranged an exchange 
with Elder G. F. Adams for the purpose. Having assumed 
the responsibility of publication himself, he conducted it wath 
his usual energy and business ability, and by the kind co-ope- 
ration of his brethren at large succeeded in gaining for it a very 
extensive circulation. Perhaps few books of that day were 
more generally to be found in the houses of Virginia Baptists, 
while it also went, to some extent, into the South and West.* 
Elder G. F. Adams w^rote soon after its publication that he had 
preached differently after reading it, and expected to be a bet- 
ter man and better preacher in consequence of it ; and there 
was much similar testimony from various and even distant 
parts of the country. 

* It suggested a similar volume by Rev. J. H. Campbell with reference to the 
Baptist ministers of Georgia. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 123 

It is a little remarkable of Mr. Taylor that however multi- 
plied and varied his engagements, none of them seemed to in- 
terfere with each other ; benevolent agencies, pastoral visits, 
protracted meetings, all sorts of Board and committee busi- 
ness, friendly correspondence, literary work, — all seemed to be 
going on as if each one was supremely or solely attended to. 
Most men would have intermitted some one thing to make way 
for another. So did not he. At this time, certainly, he was a 
man of all work. But under his multiplied labors his health 
again broke down, and he was compelled to seek some respite 
from them in a trip to the upper country ; but even this he 
managed to fill up with work. He visited Clarkesville, Dan- 
ville, Lynchburg, Lexington, Charlottesville, Staunton, Harri- 
sonburg, Waynesboro', Culpepper Court-House, Jefiersonton, 
and Fredericksburg, occupying about a month, traveling six 
hundred miles, and preaching twenty-five times. 

During this year another season of revival and ingathering 
was enjoyed by his church, and this time, too, in connection 
simply with the ordinary ministrations of the sanctuary and 
faithful pastoral labor. 

In October of this year he begins a letter to his father in 
rather a facetious strain — a style he could now and then in- 
dulge : 

.... You will perhaps hardly expect to see another letter so soon, but 
as a circumstance has occurred by which a very considerable addition has 
been made to my estate, and as I know that mother i nd yourself always 
feel happy when you learn I am in any way prospered, I thought it 
would be well to drop a line. Would you believe it that I am some 
thousands richer than I was a few weeks ago ? I ought to be thankful, 
and I hope I exercise suitable gratitude to the Giver of all my mercies. 
The Lord has been pleased to give us another son. 

[From W. Crane to J. B. Taylor.] 

Baltimore, September 25, 1836. 
.... With regard to the subject of your leaving E., I should like to 
have a freer conversation with you than I can have by writing, but, my 
dear brother, I am unable now to see how you can justifiably leave the 
wide field in which you are so successfully laboring, and to the success of 
which you- are perhaps apparently more indispensable than any other 



124 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

person. You have difficulties, 'tis true — exceedingly unpleasant ones, 
and perhaps greater ones still in prospect — but you know you can't 
escape these till you get rid of a wicked world ; and the arm of the Lord 
can and will sustain you through them all. If I could conscientiously 
have done so, I should have begged you to come to Baltimore with me, 

but I could not do it 

I know, my dear brother, you have too much to do, and I fear you 
often go beyond your duty in your anxiety to do good to your fellow- 
men ; and I don't know but the Lord may carry you earlier through 
your allotted task, and release you earlier from your work, than he does 
many others. May he kindly direct and sustain you in all your ways ! 

In 1838 he made an extensive tour to the West in behalf of 
the foreign mission cause and as the representative of the Vir- 
ginia Baptist General Association, attending the State anniver- 
saries in Tennessee, Ohio, and Kentucky. Much of this jour- 
neying was done by stage. He was naturally a good traveler, 
and took very quietly all the difficulties met with. He also 
learned to sleep while traveling, so that he could proceed day 
and night without the fatigue that many would experience. I 
remember hearing him tell of riding several hundred miles on 
the stage without stopping, and that one night, having traveled 
for several days, he went to sleep, though bolt upright and well 
wedged in by eight other passengers, and slept soundly and 
solidly, not only the entire night, but even till the sun was high 
in the heavens the next mornino;. 

In his annual letter to the church he thus notices his trip : 

In referring to my own labors during the year just closed, it will not 
be unsuitable to mention the tour which with the sanction of the church 
I was permitted to take to the Western country. The specific object of 
this journey was to represent the Baptist General Association of Virginia 
in some of the great Western meetings. In addition to this, at the urgent 
solicitation of the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, I consented to ad- 
vocate and urge the claims of the perishing heathen. I had no reason to 
regret the expense and toil to which I was subjected, and trust that my 
mission was not altogether vain. Besides conferring with numerous 
brethren on the great work of spreading the principles of the Redeemer's 
reign, and addressing various congregations, I obtained about two hun- 
dred and fifty dollars in subscriptions and cash for the foreign mission. 
I was absent about seven Aveeks, and truly did my grateful heart rejoice 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 125 

in meeting with my brethren at home and resuming the duties of my 
station. I was absent also about two weeks attending the Convention in 
New York 

During the last year our brethren Samuel Harriss, Samuel Sumner, 
and Joseph Walker were publicly set apart and ordained to the solemn 
work of the gospel ministry. Brother Hiram J. W. Eades also has been 
licensed to exercise his gifts in public. It is gratifying to every true 
Christian to see the number of those who are to labor in the work multi- 
plied. Let us not forget to pray that the Lord of the harvest would 
send forth other laborers into his harvest. 

From the memoranda which I have kept it appears that on an average 
more than three sermons per week were delivered, and, deducting the 
time I was absent, about one hundred pastoral visits have been made 
each month. I may say, that on various accounts the past year has been 
a season of peculiar enjoyment in performing my ministerial functions. 
Though I am sensible of many imperfections, my greatest joy was to 
labor for your spiritual benefit, and with you to promote the glory of 
Christ. 

The following memorandum is found among his papers : 

New Year's Eve, December 31, 1838. This is the last day of the 
year. Several thoughts press themselves upon my mind. I think of the 
value of time, being reminded of the rapidity with which it flies ; the 
next year may be my last. I think too of the many sins and omissions 
in duty which have marked my life during the present year. The Lord's 
goodness I cannot but remember. Oh how kind has he been to me, not- 
withstanding my unfaithfulness ! And shall I not think of the import- 
ance of renewed diligence in the service of my divine Preserver? O 
Lord, teach me to number my days, that I may apply my heart to 
wisdom. 

I wish, in discharging my obligations to God — 

1. To maintain an habitual sense of his loveliness, his omnipresence, 
and his mercy. 

2. To commune with him every day by reading his word, meditation, 
prayer, and praise. 

3. To determine at all times to do what he commands, and to avoid 
what he prohibits. 

4. To exercise an increasing reliance on the mediation of Christ 
Jesus and the influence of the Holy Spirit. 

I wish also, in my general intercourse with men — 

1. To cultivate forbearance and the spirit of forgiveness. 

2. To place the best construction on the motives and conduct of others. 

11* 



126 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

3. To take advantage of no man, and faithfully to discharge all pecu- 
niary obligations. 

4. As far as possible to make those with whom I may mingle happiei 
and better. 

6. As much as I can to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and afflicted. 
Let me, too, in relation to the world at large — 

1. As far as possible acquaint myself with their guilt and spiritual 
necessities. 

2. Make increased endeavors to promote the spread of the gospel 
throughout the earth. 

I will also in my pastoral relations — 

1. Endeavor to promote the sanctification and comfort of the church, 
by studying thoroughly the subjects I may discuss and making my 
addresses simple, pungent, and affectionate. 

2. By regular pastoral visits ascertain their peculiar spiritual necessi- 
ties, and thus by free conversation promote their edification. 

3. Ascertain the gifts of the church, and endeavor to bring them into 
active exercise. 

In my family — 

1. I wish to be an example of goodness in all things. 

2. Will endeavor to promote the spiritual good and earthly comfort of 
ray beloved wife. 

3. Give instruction to the dear children, endeavoring to train them up 
for heaven. 

4. Will labor also for the temporal and eternal good of the servants. 
O Lord, aid me to fulfill these desires, for thy dear Son's sake ! Amen. 

This is followed by a plan for the disposition of his time. 

In the fall of 1839 Mr. Taylor became chaplain of the Uni- 
versity of Virginia, at which time his pastorate of the Second 
Church virtually ceased, though he did not resign till some 
months later, the plan at first being for him to resume his 
connection with the church when his chaplaincy ended. This, 
then, seems the most fitting place to review that pastorate. 

In a letter resigning his office, he says : 

After a long, painful, and prayerful consideration of the subject, I 
consented in 1826 to connect myself in the pastoral relation with the 
church. In October of that year I removed to Eichrhond. There were 
then on the register the names of thirty-seven members, about half 
white, the others colored, the congregation not averaging more than 
thirty or forty persons. There are few now in the church who know of 
the discourascing circumstances with which we were surrounded. Tlie 



i 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 127 

congregation and church have gradually but regularly increased in num- 
ber, and God in various ways has prospered the work of our hands. A 
colony has been sent forth to form the Third Church, and another to con- 
stitute a church in Baltimore. In all the benevolent enterprises we have 
been permitted to occupy a prominent position, increasing every year in 
labors and contributions. The church now numbers about four hundred, 
while many have been dismissed by letter, and not a few rest from their 
toils in a better world. The church has been distinguished for her faith- 
ful adherence to the truth. When a delusive and subtle heresy was 
gaining upon many of the churches, and even in Eichmond, ours, with 
the exception of five or six, remained firm. We have been, too, emi- 
nently blessed in the preservation of unity. Truly the Lord has been 
good ; he has done great things for us. 

Without disguise, I may say that my connection with the church has 
been a happy one. It is true, I have not been without sacrifice and 
trial. For three or four years in the early feeble state of the church I 
only received four hundred dollars, and one of these years I had a 
family. While the most cautious and rigid economy was necessary to 
live, I was satisfied, because the church was doing all she could. My 
labors have been heavy and unremitted. From house to house, with 
many tears, by day and by night, in season and out of season, I have not 
ceased to testify the gospel of the grace of God. In my oversight of the 
church, too, I have endeavored to act with impartiality. Among the 
poor I have delighted to go, to do them good in body and soul. 

Mr. Chambliss in his lecture thus speaks : " To sum up the 
results of the thirteen years of this pastorate, we observe — 1st. 
The great enlargement and improvement, in every respect, of 
the church. Six hundred and sixty-four had been added to 
the membership, of whom, after all deaths, dismissions, and 
exclusions, about four hundred still remained. 2d. The con- 
stitution of three new churches — the Third (or Grace Street) 
Church ; a church in Baltimore, of which nearly all the con- 
stituent members were dismissed for the purpose from the 
Second Church ; and the Walnut Grove Church, eight miles 
from the city. 3d. The raising up of ten or twelve men out 
of the church to preach the gospel, several of whom have 
occupied positions of prominence and been widely useful." It 
may be added that the example of the church was known far 
and wide, and excited a most happy influence in promoting 
Christian activity and liberality. Dr. Bolles of Boston said of 



128 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

her : " Many daughters have done virtuously, but she excelled 
them all." 

To this day it is believed that the influence of the first 
pastor is felt by this church, than "which perhaps none in the 
land is more distinguished for earnestness and eflSciency, and 
specially for that brotherly affection and esprit du corps among 
its members which bind them to one another and to their 
under-shepherd, whoever he may be, in loving co-operation for 
the Redeemer's glory. 



I 



CHAPTER VII. 

FOR a number of years it was a common opinion, whicli even 
now has not entirely faded from the public mind, that 
Thomas Jefferson, the founder of the University of Virginia, 
designed that it should be a school of infidelity. This was not 
his design. He was indeed exceedingly jealous of the union of 
Church and State, and of sectarianism. But " he did not pro- 
pose to place the University in antagonism to Christianity." * 
A sufficient proof of this is presented in the fact that he " in- 
vited any denomination, or all, to found schools of divinity in 
the neighborhood, with permission to their students to enjoy 
the benefits of the University as if they were matriculated in 
it ;" * while it was moreover declared in the ordinance of 1824 
for the grant of the University that '*' the students of the Uni- 
versity would be free and expected to attend religious worship 
at the establishment of their respective sects in the morning," 
etc.* Had this invitation been accepted, and had this plan 
been carried out, it is easy to see that results would have 
been reached just the opposite of those which it was charged 
he desired to secure. 

It is, however, quite true that the influence exerted at the 
University in its early history was far from friendly to evan- 
gelical religion ; and many pious parents feared, and justly 
feared, that their sons, if students there, would receive intel- 
lectual training at the expense of their moral and religious 
well-being. This state of things was largely due to the fact 
that in Virginia, at that period, spiritual Christianity was at 
a low ebb, especially among the higher classes of society. 
But a better day was dawning upon the Old Dominion and 

* " History of the University," by Professor J. B. Minor. 

I 129 



130 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

her cherished institution of learning. Those most interested 
in the University began to feel that regard to its prosperity, 
if no other motive, should secure a recognition of God on the 
part of that community, and the invoking of the mighty aid 
of religion as a means both of promoting internal order and 
conciliating outside prejudice. This result was no doubt has- 
tened by the providence of God, the session of 1828-9 being 
sadly interrupted by a terrible epidemic among the students, 
which the religious public was not slow to interpret "as a 
token of divine displeasure provoked by the supposed anti- 
religious character of the institution.*' * One of the first steps 
in the right direction was the effort to establish a chaplaincy, 
which in 1832-33 became permanent. From the first, the 
system had two features, almost, if not entirely, peculiar to 
the University. The chaplain was supported, not from any 
public funds, but by private voluntary contributions. The 
attendance upon religious services was also left entirely op- 
tional with all concerned. These features made the office 
of chaplain more like that of a pastor than would otherwise 
have been the case. 

" The place was filled," says Professor Minor, " by a series 
of men selected in turn from the four principal denominations 
of Virginia, who providentially were well fitted for the posi- 
tion, at once the most difficult and amongst the most import- 
ant to which a Christian minister can be called. Under their 
fostering care evangelical religion advanced apace amongst 
the students and professors. From about the year 1835 a 
very apparent change in the aspect of things was manifest. 
The prevailing spirit became progressively more friendly to 
Christianity." In the providence of God this blessed trans- 
formation has continued, and at the present day there are few 
communities characterized by greater religious earnestness or 
exerting more decided religious influence. A majority of the 
permanent residents, and generally about one-third of the 
students, are professedly pious. Preaching and daily morn- 
ing prayers are well attended, while the Young Men's Chris- 

* Mr. Minor's History. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 131 

tian Association is a vigorous and efficient organization, main- 
taining several Sunday-schools and prayer-meetings, both in 
college and in destitute regions around, and by other means also 
cherishing a missionary spirit in its members. 

The chaplaincy had been instituted seven years, and had 
been filled once by a Baptist,* when in 1839 Mr. Taylor was 
called to that position. Loth as he was to leave a beloved 
people, the importance of the place offered him as a sphere 
of usefulness, combined with the facilities which it afforded, 
and which he had long craved, for literary and scientific im- 
provement, induced him to accept it, and Rev. E. L. Magoon, 
then just completing his theological course at Newton, was 
secured to supply his place during his absence. 

In many respects the change was to him a pleasant one, 
especially in the freedom which he now enjoyed from the 
miscellaneous work with which his life had, for some time, 
been crowded. Moreover, though he missed the intimate asso- 
ciations and some of the sweet charities of a long-continued 
pastorate, he could not but be pleased with the cordial recep- 
tion extended to him by the cultivated, refined, and hospitable 
community at the University. Every arrangement was made 
for his comfort, and every possible kindness was shown to him 
and his family. There being no parsonage at that time, the 
pavilion on the East Lawn, next to the Rotunda, and now 
occupied by the professor of Greek, was placed at his disposal, 
and was supplied with the necessary articles of furniture, each 
family contributing for that purpose. 

The social life of the University, always pleasant, was at 
that period peculiarly so, being characterized by the simple 
elegance and large hospitality of the olden time. Then an- 
thracite coal had not been introduced, and huge hickory fires 
blazed cheerfully upon the hearth. Then there was no rail- 
road within sixty miles, and the community, being thus less 
closely connected with the outside world, was a world to itself, 
and the families mingled with each other in delightful inti- 
macy. One of the features of those days w^as the weekly 

* Rev. Robert Ryland. 



132 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

meeting of the professors in a sort of informal club, partly 
literary and partly social. At these gatherings the chaplain 
was a welcome and interested guest. 

But all this, pleasant enough, was the mere foam on the 
current. It was his spiritual work which mainly concerned 
him, and which chiefly interests us. To this he addressed him- 
self in earnest. Among the students he visited diligently as a 
pastor. I have often heard him regret the shortness of the 
term at that period, or at least say that another year would 
have been far more profitable for such labors, as he would 
have learned to work to advantage, especially as the material 
was somewhat peculiar, while he would also have had the 
advantage of being acquainted. His forte certainly was in 
patient, persistent work, rather than in brilliant efibrts for a 
short period. But he made the most of his opportunities in 
his intercourse with the young men, who were more mature in 
years and character, though possibly less so in preparation, 
than the University students of the present day. Among the 
families, too, he was a true pastor, and is still affectionately 
remembered as such by the few individuals who now survive. 

Morning prayers w^ere not then held, nor was there any 
second service on Lord's Day. There was no chapel, the build- 
ing now used for that purpose being then a damp, unpaved 
arcade, where students would pitch quoits in bad weather. 
Until 1841 the Sunday-school and preaching were in what is 
known as the East Lecture-room, in the Rotunda, "which," 
says Professor Minor, " like the chest in the village inn, was 
contrived 'more than a double debt to pay.' " It may have 
been both a trial and a temptation, the preaching to such an 
audience — a trial, in that he had never enjoyed advantages 
such as had been or were lavishly enjoyed by those whom he 
addressed ; a temptation, to try to preach sermons which might 
be attractive in a literary point of view. This last would have 
been a mistake, since nowhere is the simple gospel so appre- 
ciated as in such a community. He did not make the mis- 
take. Besides, his conviction that he was Christ's ambassador, 
charged with a message of infinite value and importance, made 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOK. 133 

him bold, despite his personal diffidence. He fully carried out 
in that new sphere what an aged minister wrote to him at this 
time : " You preach less philosophy and less science and less 
metaphysics than many men, but you preach the gospel, and 
that is just what you ought to preach." He also fully felt 
what his friend J. B. Jeter wrote to him soon after he entered 
upon the chaplaincy : " To have been a great preacher or a 
popular preacher will appear a light matter at the bar of God ; 
but to have been the means of saving a soul will be a source 
of everlasting pleasure." Like Paul at Corinth, he "deter- 
mined to know nothing" among his cultivated hearers but 
" Jesus Christ, and him crucified." 

The number of students being then much smaller than now, 
the demands for pastoral labor were less heavy, and he had 
opportunity of vigorously prosecuting his studies in connection 
with the lectures he attended. Especially in the Latin and 
Greek and Anglo-Saxon did he aim to be a student, not 
attending the lectures either to while away his time or merely 
to say that he had attended them. Notes taken at this period 
by him show how earnestly and successfully he was availing 
himself of his opportunities. But besides his attendance as a 
student on the lectures of that eminent and philosophical lin- 
guist, Dr. Gessner Harrison, he was wont also, for recreation 
as well as instruction, to hear the brilliant William B. Rogers, 
then Professor of Natural Philosophy, and to witness the ex- 
periments which were performed by Professor Emmett of the 
School of Chemistry. To the chemistry-room I, then a child, 
would often accompany him, and my recollections are alike 
vivid of the experiments with the different gases and of sitting 
on an insulating stool with glass legs, which the janitor would 
dust and bring out for my use. 

While at the University he wrote the " Memoirs of Luther 
Rice," a work undertaken by him at the request of the trustees 
of Columbian College. Of this volume the following incident 
may be here inserted : Some years after its publication a num- 
ber of gentlemen were conversing on the piazza of a Richmond 
hotel. Among them was the late Frederick Coleman, for some 

12 



134 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

years State Senator, and well known as the principal of the 
famous Hanover Academy. The conversation turned upon 
biographies. Several had been mentioned. At l^ength Cole- 
man said, " Gentlemen, I will tell you the best memoir I have 
ever read ; it is the memoir of a missionary named Rice, writ- 
ten by James B. Taylor." The tribute is valuable, coming 
from a man of so much good sense and such literary taste, and 
so entirely unbiased in favor of the book. 

While chaplain he identified himself thoroughly with the 
Baptist church in Charlottesville, attending regularly, and 
preaching very frequently on Sunday night and in the week ; 
his trips to the village being often made upon the riding-horse 
of his kind friend, Professor Davis. At his death many of the 
older members of that church tenderly and gratefully remembered 
his labors of love for them during the period of his chaplaincy. 
He was now brought into intimate relations with Elders Fife 
and Farish and others, with whom he had before been pleas- 
antly associated, while he managed, especially in the latter 
part of the session, to pay now and then a flying visit to this or 
that country church, to Lynchburg and to Staunton, at which 
last place there was then no Baptist church. 

During his pastorates in Richmond, both before and after 
this period, he was kept so busy visiting his scattered flock that 
there was neither need to walk for exercise nor opportunity to 
walk for recreation. But during his stay at the University 
there were opportunity and occasion for such walks. Thus the 
scenes of his early youth were renewed, save that, instead of his 
father, he had his son for companion ; and many were the tramps 
we took over Observatory Mountain and Lewis's Mountain, or 
through the fields, plucking the honeysuckle or wild-ivy and 
starting the bird from her nest, our eyes meantime feasting on 
the red fields inlaid with emerald forests, contrasting beauti- 
fully with each other and with the blue sky and distant Blue 
Ridge Mountains. He ahvays had — not perhaps what Foster 
calls " physiopathy," an exquisite sensitiveness to Nature, so 
that it moved him as the zephyr does the eolian harp, but cer- 
tainly what an English reviewer calls " an out-of-door mind," 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 135 

leading him to seek and to enjoy with keen zest the scenes and 
the sounds of Nature. And yet even these tramps often in- 
cluded a visit to some farmhouse that might have made the 
walk less a recreation to many, but rendered it even more so to 
him with his pastoral tastes. 

Dr. J. L. Cabell, the only professor who was at the Univer- 
sity in 1839-40 and is still there, has kindly furnished the fol- 
lowing letter : 

Unitersity op Virginia, February 27, 1872, 
My Dear Sir : I have had such pressing demands on my time for 
some weeks past as to be unable until now to comply with your request 
that I would furnish you with such reminiscences of your honored 
father's life and work while chaplain in this institution as I could recall 
after the lapse of so many years. In conformity with your suggestion, I 
have put what I had to say in a form to be inserted without change, if 
you desire to do so after reading it. 

You are aware that the time allotted for your father's work at the 
University covered the short space of nine months, the term of service of 
the successive chaplains being then limited to a single collegiate session. 
It is needless to tell you that your father performed his work with the 
zeal and fidelity which always distinguished him. Eepresenting a de- 
nomination of Christians of which there were no members among the 
permanent residents of the University, and few, if any, among the stu- 
dents, he was yet beloved and revered by all, commending by his godly 
life the religion of the Master whom he so faithfully served, and leaving 
an impression which a life so consistent and devout never fails to make 
on an observant and thoughtful community. 

He was here during the session of 1839-40, and succeeded the Eev. 
Mr. Doggett, whose ministrations during the preceding session gave 
promise at this very early period of his life of the distinction and emi- 
nent usefulness which have given him a conspicuous place among the 
bishops of the Methodist Episcopal church South. Among his prede- 
cessors of an earlier date, I may, without derogation from the merit of 
others, specify the Eev. Mr. Cobbs of the Episcopal church, who subse- 
quently became the honored bishop of the diocese of Alabama. His 
immediate successor was the Rev. Dr. White of the Presbyterian church, 
then residing in Charlottesville, but for many years past of Lexington in 
this State. In grouping together these names, to which others might be 
added, it is important to recognize them as earnest men of God, whose 
trumpets gave no uncertain sound — men zealous for the truth as it is in 
Jesus, and manifesting an anxious concern for the salvation of the souls 
entrusted to their charge. In recalling the providential steps through 



136 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

which this community has passed from an original condition of indiffer- 
ence to the spiritual concerns of all who came within these walls, either 
as teachers or students, to one of comparative activity and zeal in the 
cause of evangelical religion, we cannot over-estimate the significance 
and value of the prayers and early teachings of these godly men. 

It was at that day a rather rare event in Virginia for an educated man 
to make a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ— a fact which was, 
however, I believe, rather an effect of indifference or want of considera- 
tion than of positive infidelity. When your father was chaplain, but two 
of my colleagues were professing Christians — Dr. Gessner Harrison, who 
had become pious when a student, and Mr. Davis, who was brought to 
the knowledge of the Saviour by the preaching and pastoral ministra- 
tions of Mr. Cobbs. The change which gradually took place " came not 
with observation," nor was it attended with any salient marks of special 
interest. There was no period of which it could be said that there was 
a revival of religion. Yet to those cognizant of the steps which marked 
its rise and progress, it is not too much to assert that the devout men 
referred to gave an impulse and direction to the spiritual life of the Uni- 
versity which has since expanded into one of its most conspicuous and 
important features. 

To you, my dear sir, who have occupied so recently .... the sacred 
and responsible position of chaplain to the University, it must be a most 
delightful reflection that your father more than thirty years ago was one 
of that faithful band of pioneers in this service to whom, under God, we 
are indebted for the auspicious commencement of the good work. 

At that early period we had no place specially set apart for religious 
uses, and the chaplain was not expected to deliver more than one dis- 
course on the Sabbath. For this purpose one of the ordinary lecture- 
rooms was put in requisition every Sunday morning. This did not 
content your father. He was, I believe, the first to introduce, as a regu- 
lar practice, week-day lectures, which were held one evening of every 
week in one of the professors' houses. These were short discourses in 
exposition of a chapter, or portion of a chapter, of the Scriptures, gener- 
ally selected from one of the Epistles, of which the apparent aim was to 
address specially those within the church, with a view to perfecting their 
faith and educating the Christian life. His instructive expositions and 
earnest exhortations interested me deeply at the time, and, as I have 
heretofore had occasion to tell you, left an abiding impression on my 
memory. 

In his social intercourse with the families of the community he never 
omitted to avail himself of any favorable opportunity to instill a good 
doctrine, systematically conforming to the injunction and example of the 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 137 

apostle, and by manifestation of the truth commending himself to every 
man's conscience in the sight of God. 

It could not be otherwise than that, in dissolving his connection with 
the institution at the close of his chaplaincy, he should carry with him 
the confidence and high esteem of the entire community. In subse- 
quently attesting from time to time his devotion to the institution by 
sending his three sons to be educated here, he enlarged the debt of 
gratitude already due to him, for those sons reflected credit on his train- 
ing and example. 

In concluding this very imperfect notice of your father's services while 
chaplain of the University, permit me to add a word or two suggested 
by my scanty observations of his later life. I have nothing to say of his 
labors elsewhere ; his praise is in all the churches. I did not often 
meet him, yet few men whom I have ever met left a more distinct im- 
pression on my mind. There were evident marks of growth in all that 
was " true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report." We may well 
believe that he was growing "unto a perfect man, unto the measure of 
the stature of the fullness of Christ." 

[Letter from Mr. Taylor to William Crane of Baltimore.] 

University of Virginia, Xovember 22, 1839. 

.... The circumstances in which I am now placed are so peculiar, 
so unlike any which have before surrounded me, that I am frequently 
led to retrospect my life, surveying the various important changes which 
have from time to time occurred. This being also a new era in my 
history, such a retrospect is quite natural. The longest and perhaps by 
far the most important period of my life is comprised in a residence of 
thirteen years in the city of Richmond. These were happy, happy 
years to me, though not unmarked with toil and care or unattended 
with the trials peculiar to the work of a Christian minister. It often 
affords unmixed delight to contemplate the dealings of God toward me 
in all those circumstances which led to my settlement in the metropolis 
of our State. While I can trace his kind and adorable providence in 
every event of my life, in this especially I behold the finger of his good- 
ness. Surely he did lead me by a way vrhich I knew not. And all 
along, as I mark the successive stages of my ministry in Richmond, his 
hand was stretched out, guiding, preserving, and blessing me 

You will perhaps be gratified to learn the circumstances in which we 
are placed at the University. We are occupying one of the pavilions, 
and find it a very commodious and pleasant home. It has been fur- 
nished for us by the professors with such articles as are necessary for 
keeping house. We find the professors and their families as kind as 
they can well be j they seem to be particularly studious to promote our 
12* 



138 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

comfort. I preach on Lord's Day morning and on Wednesday evening, 
and usually once a week at Charlottesville. Every day I attend on 
an average three lectures, and find them exceedingly profitable, espe- 
cially those on the Latin and Greek languages, to which I am giving 
special attention. I assure you, however, that I very much miss the 
society and peculiar employments to which I have been for a number 
of years accustomed. If the Lord will, and I should live to return to 
Richmond, I hope to be but the better qualified to fill the oflBce of a 
Christian minister. 

It fills my heart with unutterable joy to hear what God is doing for 
you in Baltimore. Always have I believed that a happier day was 
destined to be seen by the Baptists of that city 

[Letter to Mrs. Taylor.] 

Richmond, December 13, 1839. 
Here I am in the midst of our dear people, receiving the utmost de- 
monstrations of affectionate regard. All is as it was — all is natural as 
when we were here. I did not arrive until after eight o'clock on Wed- 
nesday night, in consequence of detention on the railroad. After taking 
a cup of tea at the major's,'^ I went down about nine o'clock to the 
meeting-house, and though it was raining fast the house was half full. 
As they were about to close the meeting, and I felt rather too unwell to 
bear the excitement of meeting all the brethren, I concluded to go to 
Brother Barnes's and wait until the family returned, that I might see 
Brother Magoon. A little boy had just come in for an umbrella, and 
he carried the news of my arrival to the meeting-house, and presently 
we had Brother Barnes's house full. It was a happy time — a pleasant 
thing to see so many pleasant faces greeting me. That night I slept 
with Brother Magoon, and the next morning, before day, met a large 
number at the prayer-meeting, and after breakfast called on Brother 
Jeter and Sisters Staples, McKim, Nichols, and Roper, and through 
the day was visiting from place to place. At twelve o'clock Brother 
Magoon married Sister D. and Mr. C. at the meeting-house ; a large 
number of persons were present to witness the ceremony. At night 
I preached for Brother Jeter to a large congregation, and the next 
evening to a crowded house for Brother Magoon. You know that 
Friday was observed as a day of thanksgiving. It was universally 
observed in the city, all the stores being closed and all business sus- 
pended. At eleven o' clock our meeting-house was crowded to over- 

* Mr. Jesse Snead, generally called Major Snead, or simply "the major." 
lie was a noble-hearted man and an excellent church-member. He was iden- 
tified with, if not the originator of, the first Sunday-school in Virginia. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 139 

flowing. As many people were compelled to leave as obtained admit- 
tance. Brother Nelson preached an excellent sermon. 

I have been constantly employed in visiting from house to house; 
find all very pleasant, though the excitement and loss of rest have been 
very prostrating. To-day I feel better, and have preached to a crowded 
house at the Second Church. Much attention and solemnity prevailed. 
To-night Brother Magoon is to preach to young men. I am much 
pleased with him; he seems to be a truly devoted man, and is giving 
himself wholly to the work. He is certainly a man of some consider- 
able talent, and exceedingly ready in his utterance, and full of brilliant 
allusions and anecdotes. 

It has been mentioned that the Second Church was left in 
charge of Rev. E. L. Magoon. It was not strange, nor was 
it a matter of blame against any, that the hearts of the people 
should be won by a man of such eloquence, such ardent feel- 
ings, and such magnetic power, and that some should conceive 
a preference for him as their permanent pastor. This took 
place. And now appeared the loving. Christian spirit of the 
subject of this Memoir. Learning in the spring of 1840 the 
facts of the case, he not only promptly and absolutely resigned 
the pastorate, but used all his personal influence in favor of 
Mr. Magoon and to make the church of one heart and one 
mind. The result was, that divisions and heart-burnings 
were avoided, and his own pleasant relations with the church 
and the new pastor were never disturbed, though naturally the 
course of events must have been painful to him. When this 
step was taken he had no position in view at first. He some- 
what thought of remaining another year at the University 
and giving most of his time to study ; but from this he was 
prevented by the fear of being in the way of other ministering 
brethren; and meantime, as soon as it was known that he 
could be obtained, calls, more or less formal, came to him 
from a number of important churches, both in Virginia and 
in the South, as well as from Boards, etc. to act as agent. Of 
these it appeared to be duty to accept the invitation of the 
Third Church, Richmond ; and it really seemed a remarkable 
providence that the band which, contrary to a worldly policy, 
he had encouraged to leave the mother-church, should now 



140 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

call him, as their pastor, again to reside in the city where he 
had acquired such an influence and which he had learned so 
to love. 

A few selections from his letters written at this time will 
conclude this chapter: 

[To William Crane, Baltimore.] 

University of Virginia, March 18, 1840. 

How much I regretted your absence from Baltimore last week it would 
he difficult for me to describe 

It aflforded me much joy to behold in Calvert Street the indications of 
your faith and zeal. I could scarcely have believed that it was possible 
to produce such a change in the meeting-house. While I rejoiced to see 
such a neat house, much more was I happy to witness the marks of our 
Redeemer's presence and blessing. You have been preparing the ex- 
ternal appendages of God's worship, and a house in which that worship 
might be regularly conducted, while he has been bringing together the 
materials, and indeed has been actually building up a spiritual edifice 
which is to be to the praise of his grace through eternity. With you I 
can rejoice and will rejoice. The name of our God shall have all the 
praise. Oh, my brother, how much should we exalt his name that, un- 
worthy as we are, he puts it into our hearts to labor for him, and then, 
with all the imperfection of our efforts, condescends to crown them with 
his blessing ! How much, too, should such a view humble our hearts ! 
Oh for more of the sanctifying influence of the divine Spirit, that we may 
be wholly devoted to the cause of truth and righteousness, and be willing 
to spend and be spent for the good of immortal souls, and, having done 
all, be ready to say, We are unprofitable servants — we have done no more 
than it was our duty to do ! ... . 

You are no doubt aware that I have received a formal call from the 
Third Church of Richmond. Many considerations would make it agree- 
able to my feelings to return to tliat city. The field of labor at the Third 
Church is on many accounts an interesting one, and I am really better 
acquainted in that part of Richmond than any other, and with the bless- 
ing of God might be instrumental in doing good to the church. I am 
altogether undetermined what to do : the Lord will direct. I wish simply 
to consult his will. The friends here are quite urgent that I should re- 
main ; even the professors of the University desire it. From all I can 
learn, an ample provision would be made for my support ; but Brother 
Tinsley and Brother Fife are here, and there is really no need of addi- 
tional laborers in Charlottesville and its vicinity ; and I cannot bear the 
idea of being in the way of others, or of being instrumental in their re- 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOE. 141 

moval ; nor could I be satisfied to do nothing for the Lord's cause, even 
should I continue ray studies. 

A day or two since another urgent appeal from Dr. Bolles to engage in 
a Southern agency for the Mission was received. When at Washington 
1 was solicited to employ myself for a while in behalf of the college when 
tl e debts are paid. At present I do not feel it my duty to leave my 
family. 

You speak in your last of the project of attempting something in 
Washington. "The liberal soul deviseth liberal things." The Lord, 
my dear brother, will bless you, and in carrying out all your benevolent 
designs will make you a blessing to many. If the way were open, and 
it could be made to appear that it was my duty to go there, I should 
enter upon the work with pleasure, especially if I could have a couple of 
brethren like W. and J. C. Crane to be associated with me. I love the 
work of building up 

It would afford me much pleasure to be present at the meeting of the 
Board in New York, but having already been North this spring, I know 
not that I could sustain the expense of a second trip. I am sorry to find 
that some collision has taken place between the Board and our mission- 
aries. The language of our brethren in Asia is rather strong and harsh, 
yet I do not think it right to pursue such a course of grinding economy 
as seems to have been adopted by the Board. What do you think of it ? 

March 23d. I am receiving almost every day letters from Bichmond 
urging my return. One of two letters which came last night states that 
one individual has subscribed two hundred dollars, and three others fifty 
dollars each, and that there is a strong wish in the community in the 
northern part of the city that I should go. What shall I do f Oh what 
shall I do? Let me have your opinion and advice. Brethren Jeter, 
Ryland, and Barker all press me to go. 

I am here constantly employed. On Sunday last the morning was 
spent in the Sunday-school, afterward preached three times, spoke at the 
communion, and visited a sick man. 

[To the Same.] 

TJnivebsity, April 16, 1840. 
.... I have now an important matter to which I wish to call your 
attention. It is the Columbian College. My impression is that it occu- 
pies one of the most important positions for an institution of the kind in 
our country. The Baptists ought to sustain it, and when once the debts 
are paid, as I hope they soon will be, they will sustain it. Dr. Chapin 
intends to resign, and if we can get the right man there as President, 
with two or three other good professors, students will come, a liberal 
endowment may be provided, and the college become an important aux- 



142 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

iliary to your enterprise in the spread of truth and the spirit of the gospel 
in Maryland and tlie District. Could Brother Sears hy any means be 
gotten as President? If we look South, I know of no man, unless 
Brother Howell would answer. lie has in all respects greatly improved, 
and stands very high among all denominations in the West, I men- 
tioned him to Brother Smith of Lynchburg and to Brother Poindexter. 
They both think he would do well, or as well as any who could be 
obtained. Will you and Brother James think of this subject ? and if 
you could write me by Brother Farish, I should be gratified. One reason 
why I desired to go North was to confer with brethren on the whole 
matter, but as my going is uncertain, I should like to hear from you. 

[To his Father.] 

University op Virginia, July 3, 1840. 
.... We find it difficult to break away from our kind friends and 
brethren in this region. They have been quite pressing in their solicita- 
tions that I should stay. One brother * offered to make me a present of 
sixty acres of land near Charlottesville, worth twenty-five dollars an acre, 
if I would remain. My relation to the University has been a very pleas- 
ant one, and by no means unprofitable. On some accounts it would be a 
desirable thing to remain another year, but on the whole I have thought 
it best to leave. 

* The late noble-hearted William P. Farish. 



/ 



CHAPTER VIII. 

MR. TAYLOR had expressed himself to his friend Mr. Crane 
as "fond of the work of building up." This was well, for 
such work was needed in the church of which he now (July, 
1840) became the pastor. From various causes it had grown 
but little since its formation seven years before ; and perhaps a 
feeling of discouragement had entered the minds of some. 
With joy, therefore, did they hail the coming of one who had 
proved himself under similar circumstances a master- workman. 
He, on his part, entered upon his labors with enthusiasm, re- 
garding the field as one of great promise, and soon inspired his 
people with his own hopeful and enterprising spirit. It was 
indeed an interesting field, whose possibilities of improvement 
and productiveness, foreseen by him, soon became actualities. 
It suited him, for he was accustomed all his life to say that he 
loved to have more work than he could do, so that his work 
might push him ; and here there was hardly any limit to the 
pastoral work that might be profitably done — a large popula- 
tion, mostly of persons in humble circumstances, seeming as 
available material fairly to belong to this church by reason of 
its location. 

A signal blessing upon his labors was soon vouchsafed. In 
less than six months the house of worship filled up, the Sun- 
day-school trebled its numbers, and about one hundred persons 
were baptized. 

He found the church in debt one thousand dollars for its 
meeting-house, and this he speedily extinguished, himself 
subscribing one-tenth of the amount. He also commenced 
promptly the training of the members in systematic benef- 
icence ; and his memorandum-books of that period show that a 

143 



144 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

large proportion of the members contributed to the various 
objects, while a gratifying increase in the amounts is percept- 
ible from year to year. To the various missionary collections 
he always gave personal attention, and generally headed the 
subscription with a sum five times as much as v^as given by any 
member. 

Besides the ordinary growth of the church and congregation, 
repeated seasons of refreshing were enjoyed. Soon the place 
became too strait for those seeking accommodation, and, though 
it was a time of great financial pressure, the question of erect- 
ing a new and more commodious house of worship began to be 
agitated. In this the pastor was a leader. Indeed, quiet as he 
was, he was full of enterprise and the spirit of progress, and 
was as remarkable for his enlarged plans, and his constant 
reaching out in his thoughts after what was before, as he was 
for his patient, plodding toil to realize what he had conceived. 

About this time he received a flattering call from the E 
Street Church, Washington, to become their pastor. Though 
much drawn to many of the brethren there, he was constrained 
to deny them. 

In 1843 it was determined to build, and the eligible location 
at present occupied by the Grace Street Church was secured. 
Now the excellent business abilities and practical knowledge 
which distinguished the pastor came into play. He not only 
was chairman of the building committee, but personally super- 
intended and cared for everything as far as it was necessary he 
should do so, in order that such a house as was needed might 
be secured and in the most economical manner. But this was, 
after all, though important, perhaps the least part of what he 
accomplished. Every one knows that the chief difiiculty in 
church-building is to get the money, and that many handsome 
edifices are encumbered with debts which largely neutralize 
their usefulness. Let us see how the Grace Street Baptist 
meeting-house was built. First and foremost, it was decided 
that it should be large enough for every demand, convenient 
for speaker and hearer, of pleasing appearance within and 
without, and with every necessary provision for the Sunday- 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 145 

school, but at the same time perfectly simple and free from un- 
necessary and expensive ornament. The result was just such 
a house as Dr. Wayland in his " Principles and Practices of 
Baptists " truly declares Baptists ought to build. Then with 
noble liberality the church followed their pastor. 

I cannot forbear to refer more specifically in this connection 
to one or two of these members, as I have already done to a 
few in the Second Church ; and I am the more moved to do 
this by remembering that it was a favorite idea of his that 
honorable mention should not be confined to ministers, but 
should be made as well of private Christians who have been 
remarkable for their zeal and liberality in the Redeemer's 
cause. 

None that knew her will ever forget Miss Mary Dorsett, a 
lady of peculiar appearance and manners, she having been 
badly burned in her face when a child. But her acquaint- 
ances never thought of that, but only of her active, consistent, 
and cheerful piety. She was advanced in life, and made her 
living by her needle, being a skillful dressmaker. Her chief 
pleasure, besides ministering to friends who were less inde- 
pendent than herself, was to worship in the house of God and 
to aid in every good work. Every meeting of the church w^as 
punctually attended by her, and every call for a contribution 
cheerfully responded to. When the new meeting-house was to 
be built this good sister had in bank one thousand dollars of 
her hard earnings, laid by for a rainy day. This sum she 
hastened to lay upon the altar, the heartiness of her spirit 
being as remarkable as the munificence of the gift. This con- 
tribution was, all things considered, the most liberal I have 
ever known, yet it was a type of many others made by mem- 
bers of this devoted band. I might also mention, among those 
that are gone, Mrs. Lucy Kichols, a poor but eminently pious 
and most gifted woman ; and the venerable George Woodfin, 
of commanding presence and blessed influence, w^ho was one of 
the eighteen constituent members of the church, and who, after 
himself for many years " filling the office of a deacon well," 
and leading in every good work, left one son to fill a professor- 
is K 



146 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

ship in Mercer University, and two others to be ornaments to 
the pulpit and a blessing to the world. 

With such coadjutors, not to mention others of equal worth 
who still remain, Mr. Taylor could not lack encouragement in 
his loved work of " building up," whether it was the spiritual 
or the external edifice that engaged his eflTorts. 

And yet, although he had such co-operation and liberality 
on the part of his members, and although the house of worship 
was inexpensive compared with a gorgeous Gothic structure of 
equal size, the enterprise was too much for them alone to ac- 
complish. Here, again, his peculiar talents and self-sacrificing 
labors were called into requisition. He determined to raise 
the deficit, if necessary in small sums, by personal appeals 
throughout the community at large. Day after day, in sum- 
mer's heat and the cold of winter, he traversed the streets of 
the city, presenting his cause to persons of all denominations 
and classes — asking aid so modestly and earnestly as to offend 
none and be refused by few. He was so unwearied and so suc- 
cessful that perhaps no one realized what a cross this was to 
him, but his private diary reveals how he shrunk from the 
work of solicitation, and how he longed for freedom from what 
was both so secular and such drudgery. 

But even when his subscription-book was filled, his pocket- 
book was not, and yet the material and the work both re- 
quired the cash as the building progressed. This difficulty was 
met by the pastor uniting with one of the members * in giving 
individual negotiable notes for the payments as they became 
du?. To meet or sufficiently curtail these notes at maturity 
devolved on the pastor, and often gave him no little trouble. 
On such occasions the writer would often be detained from 
school, and would be entrusted with a package of little billets 
to be delivered all over the city, the purport of each being a 
statement that a note for the meeting-house was due, and a re- 
quest that the person addressed " would if convenient," etc. 
Well does he remember some incidents of these collecting 
rounds. Among other persons, a young lawyer who has since 

* Wellington Goddin, Esq. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 147 

risen to considerable eminence was waited upon. He was en- 
joying himself with his companions, and the boy felt instinct- 
ively that he had not gotten into a very ecclesiastical crowd. 
The billet was read, and the lawyer remarked, as he very 
cheerfully handed over his ten-dollar bill, "Well, I am a 
pretty fellow, giving money to build a church and yet never 
entering one!" Many such persons helped to build the Grace 
Street Baptist Church ; and the feeling often was, even with 
those who cared not for religion, that they could not refuse Mr. 
Taylor. 

The result of these labors was, that the house, which it was 
at first hardly hoped entirely to complete at once, was quite 
promptly finished, and paid for almost as soon. It stands as 
one monument of his well-directed zeal — a fact which the 
church was not slow gratefully to acknowledge. 

The extracts which have been presented from Mr. Taylor's 
letters to his father give some idea, though inadequate, of his 
filial affection. The necessary separation from his parents had 
been one of the trials of his life. He had endeavored to make 
up for it by visits to them as frequent as his duties would 
admit, and by a correspondence on his part never intermitted, 
while he had with unstinted- hand ministered to their comfort. 
Moreover, his letters show that while he was, long after his 
majority, still looking up to them with undiminished rever- 
ence, he was all along, in some respects, himself acting the 
part of a father to his father, advising and assisting him, 
though always delicately, with reference to his business and 
his secular interests. But this had not satisfied him. He had 
longed to have the society of his parents and to soothe their 
declining years. Now he saw the way to effect this, and pur- 
chased for them a home about five miles from the city of 
Richmond. They were as anxious to come as he was to have 
them, but there were difficulties in the way of breaking up, 
closing business, and removing, which long delayed it. His 
letters urging his father to grapple boldly with these difficul- 
ties, and wooing him to the new home by pleasant pictures of 
its attractions and various advantages, present a very beautiful 



148 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

phase of character, but, like others of the same sort, must be 
withheld as too personal for the public eye. At length, how- 
ever, he had the unspeakable pleasure of seeing his loved 
parents comfortably settled near him, and thenceforward his 
principal recreation, amid his multiplied toils, was to walk or 
ride out and spend a few hours with them. 

Early in 1844, the Boston Board, which had ten years before 
requested Mr. Taylor to accompany Mr. Wade to the South, 
now requested him to accompany Mr. Kincaid, the returned 
missionary from Burmah, on a similar tour. This he consented 
to do, and appointments for the party were made. But owing 
to Mr. Kincaid's failure to reach Kichmond in time, the rather 
disagreeable duty was devolved on Mr. Taylor of starting alone 
and filling many of these appointments by himself. Though, 
of course, the disappointment of people everywhere was con- 
siderable, they having expected all those thrilling details which 
only the hero-missionary could give, yet the substitute was' 
most kindly received and heard as he pleaded the claims of the 
perishing heathen on those grounds which to the lovers of 
Jesus are ever new and ever interesting — the grounds which 
even the veteran Judson thought should be most relied on. 
Mr. Kincaid, however, was soon enabled to overtake his com- 
panion, and together the rest of the journey was made. Con- 
siderable enthusiasm was awakened, and liberal collections 
were made for the Board in Boston. Though the separation 
between Northern and Southern Baptists was so near, it was 
still "the era of good feeling," and Southern Baptists, while not 
fully aroused to their duty to the heathen, were nevertheless 
ready to co-operate with their Northern brethren in evangel- 
izing the world, and rejoiced to regard Kincaid and Wade and 
Judson as a common possession. 

The years 1845 and 1846 were laborious and important years 
in Mr. Taylor's life, as well as exciting and eventful in the 
history of the denomination. For the most part their story 
shall be told by extracts from his diary and letters. Only one 
remark is necessary here. So anxious is the compiler of this 
Memoir to study the things that make for peace that, did diary 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOB. 149 

or letters contain aught of unkindness, aught that could grieve 
or wound brethren of the Xorth, he would feel it alike his 
privilege and his duty to withhold it ; but no such reserve is 
necessary. Deploring and deprecating the course of events 
which issued in the separation of Xorthern and Southern Bap- 
tists, and frankly expressing to the Board in Boston his dis- 
approval of their action, he wrote no word which breathed a 
spirit of bitterness and wrath. Furthermore, it is not deemed 
necessary in this Memoir to go into details concerning the un- 
happy division, except so far as they are intimately connected 
with his own course and throw light upon his character ; and 
still less does the present writer feel called upon to discuss the 
questions themselves, which, having long agitated, finally di- 
vided, the Baptist brotherhood of the land. 

During the year 1844 the new house of worship of the Third 
Church had been so far finished as to admit of their occupying 
the commodious lecture-room. From about this period the 
name of the church was informally changed to Grace Street 
Baptist Church. 

[From his Diary.] 

1845, January 2d.* It is not easy, amid the multiplied cares and tempt- 
ations of life, to preserve spirituality of mind, and yet it is the only 
means of securing true happiness. I cannot find, in all the objects of 
sense, lovely and beautiful though they may be, anything which will sat- 
isfy the soul, or even administer to its bliss, if God be not recognized. O 
Lord, help me to view thee and glorify thee in all things ! . . . . 

January 25th. It is profitable to visit the abodes of penury. We may 
there learn how much suffering is sometimes endured by our fellow-crea- 
tures, and be prepared in some due measure to appreciate our blessings. 
"We may often, too, be permitted to behold there bright examples of 
piety. 

January 30th, The evening was employed in a committee to revise the 
list of names. Found many who need to be sought out and dealt with 
for negligence in duty. The church is solemnly bound to exercise a 
salutary discipline over such, that they may be incited to duty 

February 8th. Employed most of the past week in collecting subscrip- 
tions for house of worship. Though a necessary it is by no means a 
pleasant work ; but I have long since learned not to avoid the cross, but 

* In all this diary there are in each entry the name* of members visited, the 
number daily thus seen varying from five to tep. 
13* 



150 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

to bear it. The Lord, however, prospers me : I find quite a readiness in 
the community to contribute to the object. 

February 0th, Sunday. Matt. x. 38 : morning and afternoon. Heard 
Dr. Cheever, recently from Europe. His reference to the Waldenses, 
dwelling among the Alps, is peculiarly interesting. They number 
about twenty thousand, and regularly meet with their pastors for wor- 
ship. They have an orthodox creed, but are in a cold spiritual con- 
dition — are sorely oppressed and persecuted by the Catholics. 

February 11th. Brother Clopton of Lynchburg preached. Collecting 
all day. Have been quite successful in my work. If God shall prosper 
me in the undertaking I have commenced, I shall have abundant 
reason to be grateful to his name. 

February 12th. Succeeded in meeting a note for meeting-house for five 
hundred and eighty-six dollars. Heard Dr. Johns* at night. He is 
an evangelical preacher, and his influence is likely to be a good one in 
the city. 

Fe])ruary 13th. Church-meeting. The subject of Odd-Fellowship dis- 
cussed. It is to me clear that, to say the least, a church-member is 
imprudent who forms a connection with this fraternity. It is inex- 
pedient, if not unlawful. 

February 27th. At night attended the ordination of Mr. Hoge, pastor 
of Second Presbyterian Church. The exercises were peculiarly inter- 
esting. JSTothing can exceed the solemnity and weight of those respon- 
sibilities which the Christian pastor assumes. Lord, help me to be 
faithful ! Make me the instrument of salvation to many ! 

February 28th. Prayer-meeting at night. The firing of guns an- 
nounced the fact that by a majority of two in the Senate, Texas is to 
be annexed to the United States. It is not possible to determine the 
results growing out of this measure. May it not lead to a dissolution 
of the Union — to a war with Mexico or Great Britain? The Lord 
overrule all for his glory ! 

March 1st. I long to be free from the secular work of providing funds 
for our new house of worship, that I may be wholly devoted to the 
ministry. Just heard of the death of Brother Gillette. How solemn 
the warning ! Let me be ready. I would trust in, love, and obey the 
blessed Saviour, my only hope. Subscriptions secured for meeting- 
house, one hundred and thirty-six dollars. 

March 3d. To-day received the intelligence that the Foreign Mission 
Board have decided slaveholders to be ineligible to appointment.! 

*■ The bishop of Virginia. 

f The action of the Board in Boston was in response to a preamble and reso- 
lutions adopted by the Alabama Baptist State Convention, and communi- 
cated to the Board. This paper demanded of the proper authorities in all 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOE. 151 

The Lord, I trust, v/ill guide his servants at the South, and overrule all 
to his glory. A Southern organization will now be necessary. 

March 8th. Yesterday the Board of the Virginia Foreign Mission 
Society determined to recommend the call of a convention to consider 
the expediency of a Southern organization, distinct and separate from 
the North, in carrying on the cause of missions. Secured one hundred 
dollars in subscription for meeting-house. 

The action of the Boston Board, as has been intimated, 
filled his heart with profound sorrow. He had cherished his 
Northern brethren, and had rejoiced to work with them for 
the spread of the gospel, and he deeply regretted the separa- 
tion which he now saw to be necessary. Besides, he could not 
but regard with disapprobation the decision which declared a 
Southern Christian ineligible to appointment because he was 
a slaveholder. In his letter to the Boston Board he said : 
" I scarcely slept the first night after receiving the intelligence, 
and continually do I find my thoughts dwelling upon the 
painful subject." After urging that the act was unconstitu- 
tional and a violation of compact, and that consistency would 
equally require them to decline any and all co-operation with 
slaveholders, he says : 

In these remarks I speak not as a slaveholder : I have never held a 
slave, and I do not expect to sustain this relation. But I must close 
my eyes against the strongest and clearest demonstrations of love to 
Jesus and the souls of men on the part of my Southern brethren ere 
I can say they should be excluded from any position within the gift 

of the acting Board And now my heart is sick in view of the 

future. A separation is to take place. We are no more to mingle 
together as we have done in sweet fraternal intercourse, while, encir- 
cling the cross, we contemplated the woes of our race and labored for 
their removal. I fear that the sectional heart-burnings and jealousies 
which a few restless, reckless spirits have been aiming to excite will 
be fearfully increased. May the Lord prevent it! May he overrule 
all for good ! 

I could not be satisfied without giving this frank expression of my 

those bodies to whose funds Southern Baptists have contributed an "explicit 
avowal that slaveholders are eligible, and entitled equally with non-slave- 
holders, to all the privileges and immunities of their several unions, and 
especially to receive any agency or mission, or other appointment," etc. 



152 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

views and feelings. I believe the Board have erred. I felt bound to 
remonstrate. Though writing in plainness, I am not sensible of a 
particle of unkind feeling. I close by praying that, whatever may 
become of us, the heathen nations may all speedily see the salvation 
of our God. 

It seems to have been still an open question whether sepa- 
ration would become necessary in the other departments of 
benevolent effort ; and some at the North, who deprecated this 
result, regarded the Virginia Board as hasty in calling a con- 
vention. On this point Mr. Taylor writes to Dr. J. M. Peck, 
for publication in the Record, a letter dated April 8. After 
calling attention to the fact that a full representation of 
Northern brethren in the contemplated convention would be 
gladly welcomed, and declaring a preference on the part of 
the South that the proposed organization should not be sec- 
tional, coupled with a fear that it was inevitable, he says : 

Everything I hear and see convinces me that our Board have taken a 
proper course. It was to prevent excitement and increased exasperation 
of feeling on both sides that our Board adopted so promptly the course 
they have taken. A separation was seen to be inevitable. If a conven- 
tion had been called for the express purpose of considering this subject, 
and the floodgates of discussion had been opened, who does not see that 
while the ties of denominational action would have been certainly broken, 
the sundered parties would have separated with less of kindly feeling for 
each other? The brethren of Virginia are grieved, but they are not 
angry ; they are endeavoring to meet the crisis which has been forced 
upon them like men, like Christian men, who are soon to appear before 
the judgment-seat of Christ. And I cannot but hope that vastly "more 
will be efiected by them — not through strife or vain-glory, but by reason 
of the more direct influence which may be brought to bear upon our 
churches by Southern Boards. To part from our Northern brethren is 
to us inexpressibly painful, but the responsibility of division rests upon 
others, and not upon us. 

Under date of March 4th, being the day after the news 
reached him of the action of the Boston Board, he writes a 
letter to Dr. "W. B. Johnson of South Carolina on the subject 
of theological education in the South. In conclusion he says : 

A still more solemn and weighty questior presents itself: AVhat ought 
we to do in the event of a final separation ? Something must he done. 



LIFE AND TIMES OP JAMES B. TAYLOR. 153 

We cannot consent to remain idle while so much is to be eflfected in the 
spread of Messiah's kingdom throughout the earth. I trust we shall 
have grace to preserve us from unholy animosity, and even unkindness, 
toward our Northern brethren, while with becoming energy we betake 
ourselves to the work of aiding to evangelize the world. 

I rely much, my dear brother, on your experience and discretion in 
this trying emergency. AVith but a short remove from the blessed world 
above, you may he expected with less of carnality and prejudice to con- 
template the bearings of this whole subject. May the Lord direct us ! 

Please let me hear from you shortly. Will you also have the good- 
ness to confer with Brother Dagg, who is near you, on this matter ? 

[From his Diary.] 

Friday, March 21st. Started before day to attend meeting at Bruington, 
King and Queen county. Beached Colonel Fleet's after a very unpleas- 
ant ride in the stage, Avhich was quite open. 

Saturday, 22d. Paid note for meeting-house. Paid note for stoves of 
meeting-house. Spent the day with Dr. C. Fleet, who owns the farm 
formerly belonging to B. B. Semple. Visited the grave of this emi- 
nently useful man. My reflections were solemn and tender. Secured 
sixty-one dollars subscribed for meeting-house this week. 

Sunday, 23d. Colossians iii. 2. Preached in the morning at Bruing- 
ton : Hebrews x. 10. At Methodist meeting-house in the evening. 
Spent the night at Brother Bagby's, pastor of Bruington Church. Had 
much ] leasant and profitable conversation on various topics. 

Monday, 24th. Psalm Ixxii. 15-17. Annual sermon before the Union 
Missionary Society of Bruington at St. Stephen's. A large and attentive 
congregation. Spent the night at Brother Josiah Byland's with Brethren 
A. Broaddus, Southwood, and Sydnor. It was an agreeable time. 

Tuesday, 2oth. Luke xvii. 5-7. Preached at Bruington. Spent the 
night with Brother Sydnor and other friends at Dr. Benjamin Fleet's. I 
trust that some good impressions were made on the company by the con- 
versation of the evening. Endeavored to introduce topics that would 
probably be useful. 

Sunday, April 6th. Isaiah Ix. Sunday-school discourse. Afternoon, 
Mr. Scott preached. Night, concert of prayer. I cannot but feel un- 
happy at the want of success in my ministry. Lord, help me to ex- 
amine myself ! Is mine the blame ? Am I unfaithful ? or is the church 
to be charged with unfaithfulness ? 

Saturday, April 19th. Spent most of the day in collecting funds for new 
house of worship. Find it an unpleasant task, but the cross must be 
borne and duty performed. The Lord help me in a right spirit and in 
a right manner to do what I ought to do I 



154 LIFE AND TIMES OF JA\fES B. TAYLOR. 

On April 21st, in company with Mr. Jeter, he started to 
attend the meeting of the Foreign Mission Board in Provi- 
dence, Rhode Island. While there they were the guests of 
Dr. Wayland, and were treated with great kindness. Mr. 
Taylor found the interview with President Wayland and his 
family " peculiarly pleasant." The discussions in the meetings, 
however, were "far from being pleasant." But he and his 
associates were enabled to maintain a quiet spirit in the midst 
of these trying scenes. Referring to this, Dr. Gillette soon 
after wrote to him : " The mild, kind, gentlemanly Christian 
spirit manifested by yourself and other brethren from the South 
won upon many hearts." 

He reached Richmond Saturday noon, May 3d, attended 
three services on Lord's Day, was very busy all Monday 
morning " soliciting funds for the meeting-house." At twelve 
o'clock he left, with about thirty delegates, for Augusta, 
Georgia. The night of Tuesday was spent at sea between 
Wilmington and Charleston. It was a stormy night, but God 
watched over them. 

[From his Diary.] 

May 7th. Arrived at Charleston a little after sunrise. At nine o'clock 
left for Augusta in the cars, with a large accession of delegates, among 
whom were Dr. Fuller and Dr. Curtis, Brother Furman, and other promi- 
nent brethren of South Carolina. It was a pleasant day. Arrived at 
Augusta at six o'clock. 

8th. The Southern Convention met, about three hundred and fifty dele- 
gates in attendance. Several committees were appointed. Nothing defi- 
nitely decided, tliough the expediency of separating from our Northern 
brethren in the work of missions was freely discussed. Made Dr. Tur- 
pin's house my home. 

9th. The Convention decided unanimously on the propriety of forming 
a separate organization, to be styled the " Southern Baptist Convention." 
The whole discussion was peculiarly harmonious and pleasant. God 
seemed, by the influences of his Spirit, to be present; all his people were 
of one heart and of one mind. 

10th. The Convention determined to-day to appoint two Boards — one 
for foreign missions, to be located at Richmond ; the other for domestic 
missions, to be located at Marion, Alabama. The next meeting is to be 
held at Richmond, Wednesday after the first Sunday of June, 1846. 
Thus all the principal decisions of the Convention have been reached. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 155 

11th. Heard Brother Robinson in the morning ; afternoon, I assisted 
Dr. Johnson in conducting the services of the communion. A large at- 
tendance present. The season was pleasant. At night, heard Brother 
Mallory preach an excellent sermon on the subject of missions. It was 
a profitable occasion. 

12th. The Convention met. Many important resolutions were passed, 
and a final adjournment took place about one o'clock p. m. It was on 
the whole one of the most pleasant meetings of the kind I have ever 
attended. 

May 25th. Luke xvii. 5, Third Church. 2 Cor. v. 21, Fourth Church. 
J. N. Brown of Massachusetts preached an excellent sermon in the morn- 
ing. It was to me a highly solemn and pleasant season. Christ was 
preached, and my soul fed upon the truth. But oh my forgetful heart I 

26th. Visited among the sick to-day. In the afternoon rode out to my 
father's. At night attended a committee-meeting to consult on the best 
means of promoting the better observance of the Lord's Day. 

27th. Brother J. Newton Brown preached for us to-night. Am much 
pleased with the simplicity of his character, especially as a minister. 
How important is simple-heartedness in one who treats of the solemn 
things of eternity ! Lord, teach me how to fulfill my work ! 

June 6th. Spent a considerable portion of the day in reading and 
writing. Am desirous of devoting more attention to study, and of being 
more intent on the duties of the ministry. Lord, help me discharge 
my duty! I am feeble; be thou my strength. Prayer-meeting at 
night. 

June 9th. The cause of ministerial education needs resuscitation in 
Virginia. There is certainly less interest in its promotion than formerly. 
It becomes important to make more vigorous efforts in behalf of this ob- 
ject. Can I do anything ? Concert of prayer for missions. Visited six 
families. 

Sunday, June 29th. Jeremiah vi. 16, Third Church. Lam. iii. 32, 33, 
funeral of at Chelsea. 1 Peter i. 25, Third Church. Quite indis- 
posed during the day. Felt more than usually engaged and interested 
on behalf of sinners to-day. The Lord seal his truth and make it efficient 
in their conversion 1 

Monday, June 30th, Confined to the chamber most of the day. A dis- 
tressing lassitude is realized, almost entirely disqualifying me for the 
performance of any duty. 

July 5th. Psalm xc. 12, funeral of , about seventeen miles from 

Richmond. This woman, there is reason to believe, died a victim to 
intemperance. She was advanced in years and wealthy, left no relative, 
and died as a fool dieth. It was a melancholy duty I was required to 
perform. Endeavored to be faithful, but, alas! such Is the stupidity of 



156 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

men, I fear the effect will not be lasting. Lord, open thou the hearts of 
the people ! 

[It may be added to this entry, that three similar ones are 
to be found during this year — one referring to a man dying of 
mania-a-potu, another to a woman dying in a drunken fit.] 

Sunday, July 6th. Matthew xii. 35, Grace Street Church — crowded 
house. Romans viii. 16, 17 — full congregation. At night, concert of 
prayer for missions. The day has been pleasantly spent. I trust it may 
not be without lasting profit. I would have more purity of heart, more 
resemblance to God. Lord, help me this week to be useful ! 

7th. This day has been busily employed. After visiting and writing, 
met the Board of Southern Convention. It was determined to commence, 
as soon as possible, an independent mission in China. 

Tuesday, 8th. John xvii., Grace Street Church. The day has been 
excessively hot. Most of the day has been spent in reading and writing. 
At night, preached with some enjoyment on Christ glorified in his people. 
I wish myself to honor him, and to lead others to glorify him. 

17th. Psalm xc. Funeral of Miss . Find, in conversation with 

others, that in order to be useful it is necessary to preserve a devotional 
frame of mind myself. I desire to cherish more of spirituality of mind. 
Church-meeting at night. The duties of the deaconry discussed. 

25th. Attended examination at college. 

28th. This morning left Richmond, as a committee, to consult a gen- 
tleman respecting an appointment from Richmond College. Spent a part 
of the day with a number of loved friends at Captain Price's. Rode 
from his house in the afternoon to Mrs. F.'s, and found her recovering 
from severe illness. Conversed with the family ; some of them serious. 

29th. Romans vii. 22. Left Mrs. F.'s in the morning, and rode over 
to Mrs. C.'s. Conversed with the family on the subject of religion some 
time, and after dinner rode to the cars, and in them returned to the city. 
Six o'clock, attended Board of Richmond College. At night preached at 
Grace Street meeting-house. A laborious day, but I trust not a useless 
one. 

October 27th. During a short time spent with Brother Hinton many 
pleasant recollections are revived. It is some eight or ten years since he 
left the city. Our intimacy was peculiarly close and endearing. What 
a blessed world must heaven be ! There no ties are sundered, no sepa- 
rations are experienced. All is perfect there. 

28th. 2 Cor. vi. 1. Funeral of . Heard at night an interesting 

lecture on the history of the Liberian colony. This enterprise seems to 
have been eminently prospered of God. The lights of civilization are 



LIFE AND TIMES OP JAMES B. TAYLOR. 157 

yet to strike forth from these settlements until the whole of that land 
shall be illumined. 

29th. Heard Professor de Bonneville lecture on animal magnetism 
with reference to treatment of diseases. Experiments not satisfactory. 
Heard also introductory lecture of Dr. Cullen before the Medical College. 

31?t. Spent the day in collecting funds for the meeting-house, as well 
as in procuring subscriptions. It is an exceedingly troublesome work. I 
shall rejoice when it is completed. Prayer-meeting at night. 

November 3d. At eight o'clock left for Baltimore, in company with 
Brother Kelly. Arrived at seven p. m. Supped with Brother Crane, 
and attended meeting preliminary to the constitution of the new church. 
I have been appointed to preach to-morrow night. 

4th. Matt. V. 16, Calvert Street, at the constitution of a new church, 
culled the Seventh Baptist Church. Brother Adams gave the charge to 
the church ; Brother Heally right hand of fellowship ; Brethren Wyer, 
Samson, and Briggs also took part. The church contains one hundred 
and ten members. 

5th. Isaiah Iv. 4, 5, at Brother Heally' s church. The Maryland 
Union Association met this day. Heard Brother Bacon preach. Dined 
with Brother Wyer at Brother Bayne's. Conversed with several brethren 
respecting the depressed state of things in Baltimore. I feel oppressed 
with the condition of things. All is wrong. Too little love, too little 
piety. 

7th. Ephesians iv. 3, Seventh Baptist Church. Endeavored faith- 
fully to urge the claims of duty upon the brethren of the new church. 
Their responsibilities are peculiarly heavy. Many souls, on every hand, 
are pressing down to ruin. Lord, direct and bless these brethren ! 

By special request he spent several days at Yanceyville, 
North Carolina, preaching every night. He made his home 
with Mr. John Kerr,* with whom pleasant intercourse was en- 
joyed. He was also happy in meeting several who were 
among the earliest fruits of his ministry in Richmond, and who 
were still adorning the doctrines of God their Saviour. He 
writes : 

Yesterday was a most melting and eventful season. The church here 
has been for many months in an unhappy and divided state. I preached 
in the morning from the words, " Ye ask, and receive not because ye ask 
amiss." After the sermon the church were called togetlier for free con- 
versation on the state of things among them. The members mutually 
confessed their faults, until amid their tears and sobs they were unable 

* Son of Elder John Kerr, and now Judge Kerr. 
14 



158 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

to proceed. We continued together in this way, unaware of the passage 
of time, until the hour of the afternoon meeting, when we proceeded to 
the ordination of two deacons, having a most interesting season, and re- 
maining until nearly night, all being able to say, ** It is good to be here." 
Brother Finch of Raleigh preached at night. I regret exceedingly that 
we shall not be able to continue the meeting for eight or ten days. 

[From his Diary.] 
December 1st. Attended a meeting of Foreign Mission Board, at which 
the appointment of Corresponding Secretary was conferred on me. I 
find myself placed in circumstances which render it difficult to determine 
my duty. The call is an urgent one, and yet my relations to the church 
are so peculiarly endearing that 1 know not how to dissolve them. O 
Lord, guide ! 

The action of the Board was communicated to him by Mr. 
Jeter in a letter, from which the following extracts are taken : 

Providence seems obviously to point to you as the most suitable man 
for the Avork. Of your qualifications for the work there is among your 
brethren a very general agreement. But for the separation between the 
North and the South you would have been invited to supply the vacancy 
caused by the resignation of Dr. Pattison in the Boston Board. Serious 
thoughts, you know, have been entertained of placing you in the office 
of Corresponding Secretary of the A. B. Society. In the Convention in 
Augusta, but for the influence of the Virginia delegation, who were 
anxious to obtain an officer from a State south of this, you would have 
been appointed Corresponding Secretary. No appointment could be 
made which would be so generally acceptable to the denomination, and 
which would inspire so much confidence of success, as that which has 
been made 

The part which you have borne in the formation of the Southern 
Baptist Convention imposes on you a strong obligation to accept this ap- 
pointment. Your name is identified with the history of its organization. 
We have said to our Northern brethren and to the Avorld, We can con- 
duct a foreign mission enterprise ourselves. The truth of this assertion 
is now to be tested." The work cannot be prosecuted without self-sacri- 
ficing somewhere. We cannot succeed without a Secretary, and no man 
is fit for this office who cannot find readily other and important employ- 
ment. But if a sacrifice is to be made, who is to make it ? No man is 
more fairly committed, by the course which he has already taken, than 
yourself to place the offering on the missionary altar. Shall we confess 
that we have been deceived — that tlie »South cannot conduct a foreign 
mission enterprise ? This will never do. Should you decline the ap- 
pointment, wc must press forward, but certainly we shall be embarrassed 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOK. 159 

[From his Diary.] 

December 6th. Have been much engaged in raising funds to meet note 
in the bank of meeting-house. General Association Board at night. 

7th. Psalm Ixxxiv. 10, Grace Street Church. Luke xviii. 14, after- 
noon. Consulted deacons and several other brethren respecting call 
of Southern Board of Foreign Missions. *' I am in a strait betwixt 
two." "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" The question is a 
solemn one. How can I give up the church ? and yet God may re- 
quire me to do it. Oh that I could certainly know the will of God ! 

8th. Met Mr. Jeter and Mr. Stiles,* and spent an hour in conver- 
sation and prayer. My heart is restless, and concerned to know my 
duty in regard to my response to the invitation to the Board of 
Missions. I hope to be guided aright. All selfish feeling I would 
forego, and consult simply the will of God. Concert of prayer at Third 
Church. 

Then follows a list of reasons for and against accepting the 
position : 

December 18th. The question meets me at every corner of the street, 
whether I am to leave the church. It pains me even to hear the inquiry 
made. 

19th, The whole of this week has been thus far spent in laborious 
efforts to secure funds on behalf of our house of worship. Through 
snow and mud I have walked over the city, and have suffered weari- 
ness both of mind and body to an unusual extent. But thus far I have 
been sustained of God. 

20th. My mind is yet perturbed and unsettled with respect to my 
duty in responding to the call of the Southern Board of Foreign Mis- 
sions. What shall I do? Must I yield a beloved people? Shall I 
leave a loved work for an untried one? Lord, leave me not to myself; 
help me to decide aright. 

21st. 1 Cor. vi. 19, 20, Grace Street Church. Communion afternoon. 

Baptized Miss . Brother I. Tinsley preached in the afternoon. 

Heard Brother Magoon at night. This day determined the question so 
heavily pressing upon my mind. 

22d. Yesterday was to me an exciting season. I made known to the 
church my purpose not to accept the secretaryship. Great joy was 
manifested by the people. Whether it was a joy springing from proper 
motives or not, I cannot say. 

i 

* Rev. Joseph C. Stiles of the Presbyterian church. 



CHAPTER IX. 

MR. TAYLOR having declined the secretarysliip, the Board, 
at their first meeting in January, 1846, requested him to de- 
vote two days in each week to their service, and to take a tour 
to the South in their behalf. This he consented to do, and the 
very next day commenced this work. Much time had already 
been lost, and there was need of immediate action. We now 
see him one day visiting the sick and dying, collecting funds, 
and performing all the multifarious duties of a pastor, and 
the next at the writing-table preparing missionary matter for 
the papers, writing letters, or arranging business for the Board. 
Anon he divides the day itself, giving a portion to pastoral 
work, and a part to the duties of the mission-room. His long- 
cultivated habits of system and of husbanding every hour for 
usefulness enabled him successfully for a season to fill two posi- 
tions, either of which was quite enough for any one man. But it 
was not without an undue taxing of his energies. The follow- 
ing extracts from his diary and letters tell their own story. 

On Lord's Day, the 8th of February, a mass missionary 
meeting w'as held at the Second Church, on w^hich occasion 
Mr. Jeter, the President of the Foreign Mission Board of the 
Southern Baptist Convention, welcomed Dr. Judson in an 
address of great eloquence, and Dr. Judson replied, bidding 
Southern Baptists Godspeed in their mission-work. This meet- 
ing Mr. Taylor was prevented by sickness from attending, and 
it was after the services were over that the interview mentioned 
in the entry for February 9th occurred. 

[From his Diary.] 

1846, February 1st. Quite sick ; unable to preach in the afternoon. 
Much excited in addressing the church in the morning, expecting to 
be absent for several weeks on behalf of Foreign Mission Board. 
160 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 161 

2d. Service of Foreign Mission Board, four hours. Called upon to 
visit a dying man on yesterday, and to-day a dying female. How sol- 
emn such scenes! May I be assisted to remember my own mortality, 
and so to number my days that I may apply my heart to wisdom ! 

3d. Brother Judson arrived in Richmond to-day. Had the exalted 
pleasure of shaking hands with him and of interchanging a few 
thoughts. Through what scenes has he been led, and how remarkably 
has he been sustained and prospered ! He expects yet to labor much 
for Jesus Christ. 

4th. Spent considerable time in the society of Brother Judson. Have 
determined to defer my visit to the South for a few days, that I may 
have as much opportunity as possible of seeing him. Visited Peters- 
burg on mission agency. 

5th. Eeturned home quite sick, and compelled to retire to my cham- 
ber and send for a physician. For several days have suffered much 
pain. But all is right. 

" Did Christ my Lord suffer, 
And shall I complain ?" 

— I who am so unworthy, so sinful ? 

8th. Somewhat restored and able to sit up, but not able to leave the 
house. The soul need not be wretched though the body may be sick. 
I would look to him who is the source of all consolation and hope. lu 
him would I rejoice. 

9th. Foreign Missions three-fourths of the day. Last night, at nine 
o'clock. Brother Judson came in and sat an hour or two. It was a 
heavenly interview. Here was before me the very man who had given 
the whole Bible in their own tongue to millions of dark pagans, and 
yet so modest, so humble was his bearing that one would scarcely know 
that he was aware of it. An unaffected simplicity of manner is a 
striking characteristic of the man. May I be improved by the privi- 
lege of seeing him ! Before he left our family he led in prayer. 

11th. After much fatiguing preparation I left home for the South. 
Lord, take me under thy holy keeping. Glorify thyself in me and by 
me. Let me be the instrument of good to all with whom I may com- 
municate, and especially to the perishing heathen. 

. The object of this journey was to confer with young men at 
the different institutions of learning with reference to their 
becoming missionaries ; to secure funds ; to arrange for a 
system of agencies ; to consult with leading ministers ; and to 
awaken among the churches a deeper interest in foreign 
missions. The following passages from his letters and diary 
U* L 



162 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

give some insight into his journey and its result. While thus 
by rapid and fatiguing journeys moving from place to place, 
he was constantly improving opportunities to promote the 
interests of the Board by writing to those whom he could not 
personally see. His experiences were varied. Sometimes his 
heart was gladdened by the interest shown in his work, while 
at others it was pained by the lack of zeal and liberality. 
This was a great trial. But he was personally everywhere 
received with great kindness, and his journey was by the 
Board regarded as eminently successful. 

[To his Wife.] 

Raleigh, February 15, 1846. 

I begin already to desire a letter and to know how everything pro- 
ceeds at home. Ko doubt, however, rests upon my mind that the great 
Shepherd of Israel will keep yon all secure from evil, and that you will be 
able to manage everything judiciously and comfortably. Your mind 
will, I trust, be preserved from painful anxiety respecting family concerns, 
being kept in perfect peace because stayed upon the Lord Jehovah. 
The Lord is at hand, and you need be careful for nothing. By prayer 
and supplication, with thanksgiving, you may make your requests known 
unto God, and the peace of God that passeth understanding will keep 
your heart and mind by Christ Jesus. May this be your happy condi- 
tion ! 

The morning after my departure I found myself at Wake Forest Col- 
lege. The night was passed as comfortably as my feeble condition and 
the roughness of the road would permit. The stopping of the cars at 
the college excited attention, and soon a servant of Sister Gaines was in 
sight to take my baggage. Before I had well reached the house one of 
the students was in pursuit, although it was not quite day, on behalf cf 
one of the societies, to engage the stranger, whoever he might be, as a 
member. It is not usual to allow an individual to belong to both socie- 
ties, and this creates considerable rivalry and effort to engage new- 
comers. Having reached the house, I threw myself upon the bed and 
rested until breakfast-time. It was found important that I should re- 
main at the college two days, as a young brother is there who in all prob- 
ability will be engaged as one of our missionaries. His name is Yates. 
I am much pleased with him, and cannot but hope the Lord intends him 
for eminent usefulness. His college-studies will close in June. He 
seems now determined to spend his life among the heathen. The pro- 
fessors all speak well of him, and think him in many respects eminently 
qualified for the work. I had several interviews with him. 



LIFE AXD TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 163 

My interview with the professors and students was pleasant. I preached 
each night of my stay on the subject of missions, believing it important to 
aim at a good impression on the minds of the students, of whom there 
are about seventy. On yesterday, Brother White, one of the professors, 
brought me on to a church called Liberty, where I delivered a short dis- 
course, after which, in the midst of a heavy rain, we came to Raleigh, 
arriving a little before dark. At seven o'clock I met the Board of the 
North Carolina Convention, which continued in session until nearly 
eleven. 

This morning I preached on the parable of the talents, and after meet- 
ing went to the palace to dine with the governor, whose wife is a Baptist. 
I found his Excellency an intelligent man, of fine colloquial talents, and 
of great kindness of heart. Mrs. Graham, his lady, is highly cultivated, 
both in mind and manners, and, what is of transcendently more import- 
ance, she is not ashamed to avow herself a humble follower of the lowly 
Saviour. She seems to be a decided Christian, and is willing, although 
the Baptists are far from occuj^ying a prominent position, to be found 
among them as the people of her choice 

I have thought of you much to-day. As I bowed before the mercy-seat 
I endeavored to place you all before me and to remember all in earnest 
prayer. How pleasant to recognize the ever-present aid of our heavenly 
Father, and to know that our friends far sundered are under his protec- 
tive influence ! Trust in him — I hope, I know you will — and let me 
share in your daily supplications. 

[From his Diary.] 

February 18th. Matthew xiii. 32, 33. Preached at Cheraw, South Caro- 
lina. Left Fayetteville last night at ten o'clock ; arrived at Cheraw at 
four P. M. After traveling in the stage was but little able to plead the 
cause of missions. I hope to secure Brother McNabb in an agency for 
Cape Fear Association, North Carolina. 

19th. Rain pours in torrents. Am now at Brother Lacoste's, at Che- 
raw. Have called upon many and secured their subscriptions. The Lord 
opens the way before me. Cannot but hope this journey will be honored 
of God in the advancement of his cause. Collections at Cheraw, thirty- 
five dollars and fifty cents. Wrote to B. M. Sanders, Penfield, and Mrs. T. 

20th. Left Cheraw for Society Hill. Stopped at Dr. Mclver's. Spent 
the evening in company with Brethren Samuel Furman and his son 
Richard Furman, conferring with them on the interests of the mission. 
Have reason to hope that the cause will be promoted by the interview. 

21st. Wrote to Elder S. Wait and Elder William Jones of North 
Carolina, proposing to them to enter upon limited agencies in that State. 
Called also upon several persons, soliciting subscriptions; quite successful. 



164 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

Went to Brother Wilson's to spend the night, where I met with several 
prominent brethren. Conferred with them respecting the mission cause. 

22d. Luke xvii. 7-10; Psalm Ixxii. 16. At Society Hill, South Caro- 
lina. This has been to me a pleasant day. The church at this place is 
well trained, intelligent, and active. The brethren take a deep interest 
in the work of missions. They will probably become responsible for 
support of a missionary. 

23d. Left Society Hill. Collected there, $80.08. Rode thirty miles; 
arrived at a tavern on the stage-road to Camden. Wrote to Rev. Peter 
Edwards on the subject of an agency in Welsh Neck Association. Wrote 
also to Rev. William Brantly of Augusta. 

24th. Having traveled nearly all night, arrived at Camden to break- 
fast, and procured a private conveyance to pass over to the Furman In- 
stitution, some thirty-five miles oK Stopped all night at a Brother 
Taylor's, with whose family I was much pleased. They are intelligent 
and pious. 

25th. In consequence of the heavy and rough roads did not reach the 
institution until four o'clock p. m. Much fatigued, but after a little re- 
freshment assembled the students and as many persons as could, at so 
short a notice, be brought together, and addressed them for an hour and 
a half. There are here sixteen theological students, of course all pre- 
paring for the ministry. My feelings were much interested in address- 
ing these young brethren, knowing that soon they are to go forth and 
exercise an influence in the world. I endeavored to press on their atten- 
tion the importance of cultivating holiness of character, this being the 
most essential qualification of a minister of Jesus Christ, and tending 
more than any other to promote the well-being of men. All seemed in- 
terested, and I cannot but hope a good impression was made. I found a 
young man here (Brother Nicholson) who is thinking of devoting him- 
self to the work of missions. Perhaps others may be inclined to engage 
in this work. We shall need men quite as much as money, and on this 
account I felt it my duty to turn aside so much from a direct route to 
visit this institution. 

26th. I proceeded on horseback to Columbia, about thirty miles. Ar- 
rived a little before night, and went immediately to the university, about 
a mile ofij to see Brother Hooper, one of the professors, a most estimable 
man. He is a cousin of Mr. Norwood of our city, and was himself once 
an Episcopal minister. Spent an hour with him, and returned in time 
to take tea with Dr. Blanding ; after which I called on other brethren, 
and between ten and eleven returned to rest at the tavern, to be ready for 
the omnibus before day to take me to the depot. 

28th. Spent the day in Augusta. Collected for the mission, $228.50. 
Remitted to Prother Thomas a draft for four hundred dollars. Dined 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYI.OH. 165 

with Brother Turpin, and supped with Brother Barnes. Left in the 
cars, and reached Union Point, seven miles from Penfield, after mid- 
night. 

March 1st. The rain has poured in torrents nearly all day, so that I 
am confined to the house. The time has been pleasantly spent in read- 
ing "History of American Missions" and the New Testament, and 
writing. Have been much impressed with the brevity and vanity of 
life, and with the exceeding preciousness of the gospel. 

2d. Arrived in Penfield. Put letters in the office for my dear wife and 
children, for James C. Crane, J. B. Jeter, J. G. Landrum, and N. Gra- 
ham. Met many dear brethren. At night attended a meeting of the 
Concert of prayer. Addressed the congregation at large on the subject of 
missions. 

3d, Tuesday. Matt. xxv. 14, 15, Penfield; quite a large congrega- 
tion ; much attention. Conferred with Executive Committee of Georgia 
Convention. The suggestions received were valuable, and will avail 
much in our future operations. Have received several subscriptions. 

[To his Wife.] 

Macon, Georgia, March 8, 1846. 
.... Just as we were leaving the house yesterday a gentleman was 
riding by, when my companion said, " That person was a year or two 
since the American consul to the Italian states," and stated that he was 
an eminent practitioner of medicine. This morning about ten o'clock we 
heard that he was dead. He had sent a prescription for a patient to the 
apothecary's, a portion of it to be prussic acid, but made a mistake in the 
amount, and the apothecary sent word that they must be careful of the 
medicine, as it was very strong. The patient refused to take it, and 
waited the coming of Dr. Baber, when the doctor said, " To show you 
that it is safe, I will take twice as much as I directed you." He took it, 
and in ten minutes was dead 1 How solemn and sad the event ! 

[To the Same.] 

Columbus, Georgia, March 10, 1846. 

For the first time since I left home I saw to-day the Richmond Whig. 
It was in complete mourning, and contained an account of the funeral 
solemnities occasioned by the death of poor Pleasants. What a horrible 
illustration is furnished by this event of the depraved taste of society in 
sanctioning, or even permitting, the practice of dueling ! I am pleased 
to see that Mr. Stiles spoke out so plainly in his discourse. He might 
well say that the community in which the deed was done is chargeable 
with a portion of its guilt. .... 

I left Macon Monday night, and rode all night in the rain over a mis- 



166 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES Br TAYLOR. 

erable road, several times being obliged to get out and wade up the hill 
through the mud. I have spent most of the day in collecting, and now, 
at ten o'clock at night, start again, to ride all night, for Montgomery. 

Saturday, 14th, Montgomery. Arrived in this place day before yester- 
day, very much jaded, having ridden all night over a road more un- 
pleasant than any I had before passed over. A considerable part of it 
was a railroad, but unfortunately the rails were laid the wrong way; it 
was nothing but jolt, jolt, for miles together. - 

Yesterday, in company with Dr. McWorther, I went in a carriage to 
Wetumpka, and preached there last night, returning this morning. I 
preach to-morrow in this place. AValking out a little while ago, a gen- 
teelly-dressed colored woman met me and called me by name, seeming 
much delighted to see me. Upon inquiry, I found it was Mr. Ligon's 
girl, who lived with us when we first commenced housekeeping. She 
lives in this city. 

I have been much interested, I may say mournfully so, to learn many 
facts connected with the history of the Creek Indians, who were until 
a few years since settled in this country. If J. will look upon the map 
and find Columbus, she will see the spot upon which but a short time 
ago these savages were roaming the primeval forests. In 1828 the coun- 
try extending toward Macon for forty or fifty miles was secured from 
them, and they retired south of the Chattahoochee Eiver, upon which 
Columbus stands, and which separates Alabama and Georgia. The 
whites poured into the country, while just upon the other side of this 
stream the savages were located. They would come over to Columbus 
by scores and hundreds to trade with the merchants. The whites at 
length began to settle among them. The lower classes of society inter- 
married with them, and located themselves on their lands. At length 
hostilities arose, and as late as 1 836 a bloody warfare was kept up for 
months, the Indians sometimes passing into the white settlements, burn- 
ing the houses and murdering the people. One spot was pointed out 
to me on the road where the stage was stopped, the horses being shot, 
and the driver tied to the wheels, splinters of pine wood thrust into his 
flesh, and all burned together. Two or three passengers who were in 
the stage were pursued for miles, but at length succeeded in hiding 
themselves in the swamp. Soon after this all the Indians were required 
to -remove beyond the Mississippi, and the whole of this land is now 

occupied by whites I begin to be truly desirous of reaching the 

end of my journey. Proceeding less rapidly than I expected, I am yet 
only about half through my work. I cannot now look back, but must 
press on, and do all I can in my Master's cause. If I can only main- 
tain a ri ;ht motive, having my heart singly fixed upon the Eedeemer's 
glory, all will be well. Pie, I trust, will accept the poor service I give, 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 167 

and render it efficient to his name's praise. There is in all this South- 
ern country a great work to be done, and some one must do it. If I 
can contribute in any measure to its execution, I shall be happy. The 
Lord help me ! . . . . 

Lord's Day afternoon. This morning preached and took a collection. 
At two o'clock witnessed the baptism of two colored persons in the 
beautiful waters of the Coosa Eiver. At three o'clock attended the 
meeting of the colored people, and after a sermon by Brother Talbird 
addressed the congregation, saying to them that if any one wished to 
make a contribution to the mission cause I would receive it. The 
scene which followed was most affecting. They came forward one after 
another in the most orderly manner, and contributed nearly seven 
dollars in dimes and half-dimes. One of the colored members, a 
female, had a short time before placed six dollars in the pastor's 
hands for missions, which will be paid to me. This is only one of 
several contributions, equally liberal, which she has given through her 
pastor. Before we adjourned two aged persons related their experi- 
ence ; one an old man who was brought from Africa when a boy. His 
language was broken and his feelings were much excited. He told us 
he remembered the time when, with four or five others, he was caught, 
blindfolded, and carried to the vessel ; but he thanked God he had ever 
been brought to this country, as it had been the means of his salvation. 
" Oh," said he, " how bad would have been my case if I had lived and 
died in Africa ! I never would have heard of Jesus." 

The parting scene was melting. All were happy, excepting some 
twenty, who were distressed for their sins and desired to be remembered 
in prayer. 

To-night I am to preach again. The Lord help me ! Oh how un- 
worthy I am of such a privilege ! 

[To his Wife.] 

Sumter Co., Ala., March 22, 1846. 

I am now with a Brother Brown, one of the wealthiest mon of this 
country. He has nearly three hundred servants. His establishment 
has the appearance of a little town. His farm is large, consisting of 
several thousand acres. I saw in one lot eighty-five mules and horses, 
which he used in ploughing. The Lord has blessed him much. He 
is a most indulgent master, all his servants appearing to be happy, and 
all being not only well provided for with respect to food and clothing, 
but having money paid them for extra work. He has given me three 
hundred dollars for foreign missions 

You inquire concerning my success. I may say that my expectations 
are more than realized. The opinion long entertained, and frequently 



168 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

expressed by me, as to the resources of our denomination in the Southern 
country, is but confirmed by the observation of the last five weeks. 
There is a vast amount of wealth, and the number of our churches is in- 
crcasitig with great rapidity. The separation which has taken place 
will most certainly eventuate in the promotion of our interests and of 
the cause of Christ at large. It is true, much toil and patience will be 
necessary to bring out the energies of our people, but with God'g bless- 
ing it can and will be done. 

The journey I have taken will greatly conduce to the promotion of 
our missionary operations. The information secured and the influence 
exercised over the minds of many brethren must result in great good. 
Besides, I have received in cash and subscriptions about two thousand 
dollars, and hope before I reach home to secure five hundred dollars 
more. 

Monday, 23d. Yesterday attended a meeting at Jones's Creek Church, 
passing through a surpassingly beautiful prairie. When I arrived at the 
meeting-house, what was my surprise to find a log-house about twenty- 
five feet square, without any chinking, open to the roof, the seats very 
uncomfortable, and a shed behind the pulpit for the colored people, the 
preacher being obliged to look through the great openings of the logs to 
see the blacks. And let it be remembered, too, that the church is very 
wealthy ! It ought, however, to be understood that there is the same dis- 
regard of comfort in their own homes. This is the fashion of the country. 
.... After preaching on Sunday morning, I returned to Brother 
Brown's, and at night preached to his servants. No house on his farm 
could hold them. Lights were put in the porch, and the congregation 
were seated on stools and chairs in the yard. It was a solemn scene. As 
I stood in the porch and uttered the words of truth, with the densely 
dark and cloudy sky above, and the sable faces of the crowd of fellow- 
immortals before me, I found myself inspired with a feeling seldom en- 
joyed. It was a most interesting time. Their songs of praise ascended 
in loud and harmonious strains, and one after another came forward to 
give the parting hand. 

Upon our arrival at Gainesville we found a Captain Hill, a respect- 
able old citizen of the place, and formerly from King William county, 
had been called away by death. We attended the funeral, and I was re- 
quested by Mrs. Hill, whom I had met in New Kent some years ago, to 
take part in the service. After the funeral one and another came for- 
Vv^ard, as old Virginians, and gave me a cordial greeting, welcoming me 
to the town. I should think not less than twenty persons seemed to be 
well acquainted with me. Passing along, I saw a colored woman rush 
out of a door, and coming in a run across the street, she took hold of my 
hand and thanked God aloud that she had seen me. It was ■. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 169 

whom I had baptized in Kichmond. At night, although the road was 
wet and muddy and the sky cloudy, I met a large congregation, which I 
addressed for an hour. 

[To his Wife.] 

Steamer Eliza, March 28, 1846. 

Last night, after preaching at Gainesville, I came on board the boat 
and retired to rest, the hands being actively engaged in putting on board 
about three hundred bales of cotton. The boat left about one o'clock, 
and now, about eight, we are stopping at Jones's Bluff and taking on an 
additional number of bales. Fancy to yourself a bluff one hundred and 
fifty feet high, and a dozen or twenty men employed in sliding the cotton 
down a sort of inclined plane. The whole scene is an animating one to 
me. "VVe have already seven hundred bales on board, and will probably 
receive one thousand more before we reach Mobile. The bluffs of which 
I have spoken are peculiar to the Southern rivers. The one before me 
now is almost as white as chalk, being a soft limestone. This river, the 
Tombigbee, is quite beautiful, especially at the present season, the forest 
trees upon its banks being in full leaf. The planters are now very busy 
putting their cotton seed into llie ground, though many have finished 
planting and the cotton is coming up. The corn is coming up beauti- 
fully. Green peas are eighteen inches high, and I suppose when I reach 
Mobile I may find them upon the table. The weather is beginning to 
be warm, though I suffered with cold but a day or two since, there 
having been a sudden change in the weather. My cloak was comfort- 
able at midday, even in the sun 

Lord's Day, 29th. Here I am, still on the boat, and suppose I shall be 
until to-morrow morning. The expectation was that we should reach 
Mobile this morning, but vre have been stopping almost every hour to 
take in cotton and passengers. The cotton bales are piled up in every 
direction, and yet they are taking on more. It is said that seventeen 
hundred bales may be taken. It is quite a trial to me to be compelled 
to spend the Sabbath in this manner, but it seems unavoidable. We 
have a large company, but, far from being noisy, the passengers are en- 
gaged in reading or conversation. 

I am in my state-room, very comfortably situated, and almost as pri- 
vate as I should be in my OAvn chamber. How much, however, would I 
prefer to be at home, mingling with my family and with our congrega- 
tion in worship ! This hallowed season has been set apart by the great 
Head of the church for the spiritual benefit of his people, and its pecu- 
liar adaptedness to this end has been long felt and acknowledged. I feel 
that I need just such influence. It is as necessary to my spiritual as food 
is to my physical nature. I can well understand how the flesh and soul 
15 



170 LIB^E AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

of the pious Psalmist should cry out after God, even the living God, when 
he was prevented from the enjoyment of the tabernacle privileges on the 
day of worship 

[To his Wife.] 

New Orleans, April 1, 1846. 

I left Mobile about one p. m. yesterday in a splendid steamer, and 
arrived at this place about dayliglit this morning. We came what is 
called " the inland route," through a beautiful lake, the motion of the 
boat being scarcely felt. The fare exceeded anything I have ever seen. 
.... Upon our arrival at the landing, about six miles from the city, I 
walked with a Mr. Taylor of Virginia, with whom I had become ac- 
quainted on the boat, into a beautiful garden with white shell walks ; 
the whole scene was enchanting to the eye, while the air was fragrant 
with the various flowers. In a few minutes we took our seats in the cars, 
and within a half hour were at the hotel. We put up at the St. Charles, 
•which is without question the most magnificent hotel in the United States, 
and probably in the world. There are, as I was told, one hundred and 
seventy persons connected with the establishment, who attend as clerks, 
servants, etc. Every room in the house was occupied. It was too late to 
find Brother Hinton before breakfast, but as soon as possible I did so, 
and am staying with him 

Friday, 3d. Wednesday night preached in Brother Hinton's house of 
worship. It is quite a neat structure. Brother John Bryce and his lady 
were present ; on yesterday dined with them. I spent most of the day 
in looking at the curiosities of the place. It is certainly a wonderful 
city, and is destined to be one of the largest in the world. The lower 
part (the oldest) is inhabited mostly by the French, and one is struck 
with the peculiarity of their houses. They are cottage-like, but mostly 
antique, and in a decayed condition. Almost every one I saw spoke the 
French language. I stepped into the French cathedral, and heard part 
of a discourse in French. The house was nearly filled, and all seemed 
devout and deeply interested in the harangue of the speaker. He 
was animated, and apparently affected. The house is very ancient in 
appearance. Two soldiers were at the door, with long, large rods, keep- 
ing guard. Upon leaving I sauntered to the French cemetery, and was 
more deeply interested than I have been in any burial-place I have ever 
visited. You are aware that here no person is buried under ground, as 
in digging a foot into the ground the water rises and fills the space in a 
few hours. All are interred in tombs above ground. Every variety of 
form is seen in the construction of these tombs, and all that Brother Ma- 
goon said in his letter from Paris is true in respect to these graveyards. 
The most tasteful decorations are seen in every direction. Flower-pota 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 171 

with beautiful plants and evergreen shrubbery give to the whole scenery 
an air of novelty to me which is far from being uninteresting. The 
middle part of the city is the most important, because it is the business 
portion. In this the steamboats are found. To stand upon the Levee 
and look over the whole line of boats presents one of the most animating 

scenes imaginable Turning your eye up and down the river, you 

see the steamers as thickly pressed together as possible, with their nu- 
merous high pipes; while beyond, as far as sight reaches in either direc- 
tion, the masts of the shipping appear like a great, interminable forest. 
Then upon the Levee, or bank of tbe river, for hundreds of yards up and 
down and across, you see the cotton-bales, sugar and molasses hogsheads, 
and every variety of merchandise, with thousands of men employed in 
various ways. It is altogether the most exciting exhibition of the busy 
world I have yet seen. 

The upper part of the city, or La Fayette, is rapidly filling up with 
houses. At present it wears a rural appearance, every building having a 
large garden with orange and lemon trees and every variety of flowers, 
all of which are now presenting a most enchanting appearance. Here 
and there, along the whole length of the city, you see one of the old French 
plantation-houses, with verandahs on all sides and in both stories. These 
houses, the remnants of the earlier history of the country, are to be found 
for a hundred miles up and down the river. One of the peculiarities of 
the older houses of New Orleans is the very high fence or paling, as if it 
were necessary thus to provide against the thief or assassin. Indeed, it 
is said that this was the original design, as there was quite a number of 
these persons infesting the city. While this little world extends along 
the river for miles in the form of a crescent, it is not more than half a 
mile broad ; and what seemed singular to me, the water in the streets 
runs from the river into the swamp. The surface of the river is higher 
than the land for hundreds of miles, and the water invariably runs from 
the river. This produces the necessity of the Levee or bank, artificially 
thrown up, which by special act of the legislature is required to be kept 
in good repair 

Steamboat John M. White, below Memphis. On Friday afternoon, 
April 3d, I left the Crescent City in the steamboat Peytona, which is said 

to be the most magnificent on the river For many miles up the 

river the views are imposing. The whole country is perfectly level. 
The plantations are narrow, fronting from five to fifty acres, and extend- 
ing back into the interior. The houses, however, are all upon the river, 
so that it presents the appearance of a continued line of villages. On 
Sunday morning, just before day, we arrived at Natchez, and I deter- 
mined to spend the day there. Went to a tavern and rested myself a 
while, as I had sat up most of the night. When I waked I found my 



172 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

head so much affected with cold that I could scarcely hear anything that 
was said. After breakfast I sought out some of the members of the 
church — found them in a low condition and without a pastor. They 
soon had notice circulated, and I preached twice, though with great pain 
to myself. At ten o'clock at night the steamer John M. White passed ; 

I came on board, and we are proceeding rapidly up the stream 

Thursday, 9th, Cairo, Illinois. We passed Memphis at two o'clock 
in the night, and the clerk neglecting to call me, I came on here. It 
was ray earnest wish to stop. Well, here we are, not in Cairo of the far 
East, but of the West, just at the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi 
Hi vers. This was intended a few years ago for a city to rival New 
Orleans, and extensive arrangements for building, etc. were made, but 
the bubble burst, and nothing appears but extensive foundations and a 
few dilapidated buildings. I am in a tavern kept in an old boat at the 
landing. I came up thus far in a boat bound for St. Louis, and am wait- 
ing for one to pass for Louisville. Within five days I have come more 
than one thousand miles, and yet am still more than that distance from 
home. I could willingly annihilate the space which separates us. Oh 
for a magnetic telegraph ! It would be some relief if I could send and 
receive a few tokens of love fresh from the heart. If I could only look 
in upon you, and see you and Sister G. comfortably seated enjoying each 
other's society, with little Charlie and Mary romping together ! Then I 
should like to peep into the school-room and observe the girls and James 
busily employed in conning their lessons; or perhaps, opening the front 
room door, I should find Fannie at the piano, diligently practicing and 
making herself perfect in her music. I would be willing to stroll out as 
far as the college, tired as I am of traveling, for the sake of looking into 
George's face. I "reckon" he is as busy as he can well be. Mr. Cocke 
says in his letter to me that George can be at the head of his class, and it 
would not at all surprise me if, in peeping into the school-room, I should 
find him there. Thus to be at my own home and look about a little, 
step into the kitchen and see how Eosetta and all the rest get along, even 
for a few moments, would be gratification not easily told. But here I 
am ; the reality that I am far, far away will press itself upon my soul. 
I must endeavor to satisfy myself. .... 

A few days were spent in Kentucky, and then he hastened 
home, which he reached Saturday night, the 18th of April. 
God had preserved not only his family, but every member of 
his church, during his absence, many of whom he was glad the 
next day to meet at communion and " greet with a holy shake 
of the hand." 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 173 

He continued, as before his journey, to divide his time be- 
tween the duties of the pastorate and those of the secretaryship. 

[From his Diary.] 

April 20th, How important to be prepared for death by daily faith in 
Christ and a holy life ! Nothing less can render a passage from earth 
desirable. The sting of death is sin. If sin be indulged or duty be 
neglected, it will not be easy to grapple with the grim monster. 

Tuesday, 21st. Psalm Ixxiii. 11, Grace Street Church. Foreign Mis- 
sion Board, two hours. I desire to work for God while it is called to- 
day. Lord, deliver me from spiritual sloth ! Make me to run in the 
way of thy commandments. Enlarge my heart to fear thy name. 

24th. Foreign Mission Board, one hour. I find it a most delightful 
employ to visit from house to house those who are placed under my care. 
Lord, regard each of those visited to-day, and make their afflictions 
profitable. Prayer-meeting at night. 

25th. Spent most of the day in reading. Truly pleasant is it again to 
be in my study, and quietly to be engaged in the cultivation of my mind. 
Time for reading and meditation has been greatly needed, hurried as I 
have been from -place to place during my recent tour to the South. O 
Lord, lead me in thy truth, and teach me. 

May 6th. Ecclesiastes xii. Funeral of Mr. Temple. A 4aborious 
day and eventful. Saw a lady in the agony of death, and mingled with 
mourners in the burial of a husband and father. Much to do also in 
connection with the completion of house of worship. Foreign Mission 
Board until half-past ten p. m. 

On the 10th day of May the Grace Street Baptist house 
of worship, which had so enlisted his feelings and engaged his 
efforts, was dedicated. In the morning he preached from 
Psalm xxvi. 8, and in the afternoon Mr. Jeter preached from 
Isaiah Ixvi. 1, 2. It was an occasion of deep interest to the 
pastor. 

He had now reached the goal to which he had long looked 
forward. The meeting-house done and nearly paid for, he 
might devote himself exclusively to the spiritual work of a 
pastor, which he so much loved, to study, and to the preaching 
of the gospel, both in the pulpit and from house to house. 
But it was not so to be. His labors for the Foreign Mission 
Board had deepened the conviction upon their minds, as w^ell 
as upon the minds of the denomination throughout the South, 

15 * 



174 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

that he was the man for the secretaryship^ ; and his own con- 
viction so pointed it out to him as the post of duty that when 
it was again formally pressed upon him, this time by the 
Southern Baptist Convention, which met in Richmond in 
June, 1846, he was constrained to accept it, though it involved 
the surrender of cherished wishes and specially congenial 
employments, and the assumption of the most crushing labors 
and responsibilities. On the 21st of June, therefore, he re- 
signed his care of the church, and on the 16th of August 
preached his farewell sermon. Never did a pastor leave a 
people more unwilling to give him up, though the church 
could not but recognize the hand of God in the matter. He, 
however, continued for a considerable period to preach for 
them with more or less frequency. 

He was now in the very prime of his working-power, and 
the preaching of three and even four sermons, and the walk- 
ing of twice as many miles, were by no means uncommon on 
a Lord's Day. He now had no pulpit, but he was seldom 
silent, ^ there was always a preacher wanted for the Fourth 
Church or Manchester or the Penitentiary, and he delighted 
especially to preach at outposts and to the destitute. He left 
his church, having but begun the work which he had hoped 
to accomplish, and which with a few years more he would have 
accomplished ; but he had done a blessed work. A large con- 
gregation had been gathered ; the Sunday-school had become 
very flourishing ; a new and eligibly-located house of worship 
was completed and nearly paid for; and the little church 
itself had become a vigorous and well-trained body, quite 
ready for that career of usefulness which they have since pur- 
sued. How strongly they clung to him was evinced when, 
two or three years later, they were again without a pastor. 
Not only did they unanimously and earnestly invite him to 
return to them, but they were willing, if necessary, to share 
his services with the Board. 

In 1847 he commenced to act as stated supply, twice a 
month, for the Taylorsville church, an hour's ride by rail from 
Richmond ; and this service he rendered for nearly fourteen 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 175 

years. It was liis habit to carry his portfolio with him and 
write as if at the mission-room ; and the understanding with 
the church was, that his engagement with them should not 
interfere with any trips required by the interests of the Board ; 
so that by this arrangement there was no loss to the mission- 
work, while he greatly enjoyed still having " a people" to 
whom he might minister in holy things, and with whom he 
might mingle in the amenities of pastoral work. Especially 
in the hospitable mansion of Richard Gwathmey* he had a 
welcome that was as warm, and a room that was as much his 
own, as the prophet Elisha enjoyed in the house of the Shun- 
ammite woman ; and by all the family he was loved as one 
of their own number. 

His membership continued with the Grace Street Church 
till he died, and he was always a sympathizing and efficient 
coadjutor with the several pastors ; a regular attendant, when 
in Richmond, upon the weekly lecture and prayer-meeting, 
speaking in prayer and exhortation ; a meek and appreciative 
listener to the preached word ; a liberal contributor to all the 
enterprises of the church ; and, in a word, as a church- 
member, ready to every good word and work. In this he was 
an example. . Instead of pleading his many engagements as 
an excuse for neglecting any of the claims of the church, he 
seemed to feel that his position laid heavy obligations upon 
him in this respect. But he habitually attended the place of 
prayer not only because he felt it a duty, but also because he 
loved to be there and to be engaged in such duties. Often, 
after having walked twice to the mission-room and back, not 
less than four miles, he would walk down again to attend the 
weekly church prayer-meeting. He also continued incidentally 
to do much pastoral work, especially in the way of visiting 
the sick and afflicted. Frequent entries in his diary tell how 
at twilight he would call on this or that one who was in 
trouble; and almost every Sunday spent in Richmond, how- 
ever crowded with pulpit-work, was marked by such visits. 

* The father of Dr. W. H. Gwathmey, so long the devoted Recording Secre- 
tary of the Foreign Mission Board. 



176 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

Rev. A. M. Poindexter thus refers to Mr. Taylor's entrauce 
upon the secretarysliip : 

When elected to and urged to accept the office, he encountered one 
of tlie greatest trials of his life. He loved and rejoiced in tlie pasto- 
ral relation. He had been remarkably successful as a pastor. In no 
other sphere could he, with so much personal satisfaction, serve his 
Lord. It was doubtful whether in any other he could accomplish as 
much good. He was pastor of an appreciative and growing church, 
and could not but be conscious of his standing and influence in the 
community. It was hard to give up all this for an untried work, 
to be prosecuted under all the difficulties and entailing all the self- 
denials incident to a new enterprise among a people scat<^ercd over 
the entire South, and who had been only very partially trained to 
Christian benevolence. In addition, he was domestic in his feelings in 
a high degree and devoted to the acquisition of knowledge, and con- 
templated authorship as at once a means of enlarged usefulness and 
personal enjoyment. 

On the other hand, though regretting deeply — none more deeply — 
the causes which led to the organization of the Southern Baptist Con- 
vention, he thought that measure right and desirable. It had his 
fullest sympathy and support. He knew that, to succeed, the Boards 
of the Convention must be adequately represented. If his brethren 
thought him the most suitable representative of the Foreign Mission 
Board, should he not yield to their judgment? He also cherished a 
strong practical interest in the foreign mission-work. Throughout his 
pastorates he had made it prominent. Others might be the church- 
collectors for other objects, but foreign missions were so dear to him 
that he always carried with him a subscription-book for them, and 
sought, in his pastoral visitations, to secure the aid of his entire j)eople. 
Nor was it in this way alone that his interest was manifested. Early 
in my ministry, and when our acquaintance was comparatively slight, 
I received a letter from him calling me to consider the duty of devoting 
myself to the foreign field. And what he did in my case I have no 
loubt he did to many others. His interest in the foreign mission cause 
was not the product of official relation. Often there is a suspicion that 
the zeal of agents results not from an appreciation of their objects, but 
their desire of success. However this may be of others, it was not 
true of him. His sympathy had long been enlisted for the perishing 
heathen, and his sound practical judgment taught him that the work 
of foreign missions was not only the most direct, but the most efficient, 
means of carrying out the commission of our Lord. And this not only 
as it might enlarge the area of Christianity, but as it would arouse the 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 177 

energies, cultivate the liberality, and widen the aspirations of Chris- 
tians at home. Nor could he doubt that the special blessing of Christ 
would rest upon those who lovingly and zealously labored in this cause. 
In his conversations with me he attributed no small portion of his 
pastoral success to his special efforts to interest his people in foreign 
missions. 

A sense of duty led him to accept the office of Secretary, and its 
duties were thenceforth the work of his life. 

M 



CHAPTER X. 

n^HE Foreign Mission Board, while not unmindful of the 
J- claims of other countries, decided to concentrate their 
efforts, for the time being, upon China and the coast of Africa. 
The two posts selected in China were Canton and Shanghai, 
the latter city being about one thousand miles higher up the 
coast than the former. 

One of the first official duties of the Secretary after the 
meeting of the Convention was in connection with the designa- 
tion of Elders Clopton and Pearcy, who had been recently 
appointed to the Canton mission. This service was held at 
the Second Baptist Church, Richmond, on June 15, 1846. It 
was a deeply-interesting occasion, marking as it did an actual 
beginning in the undertaken work of sending missionaries to 
the heathen. Formal " instructions " for the guidance of both 
the Board and the missionaries had been adopted, but it now 
became his duty to deliver a charge to these representatives of 
the Southern Baptist Convention in the great empire of China, 
which he did in the following language : 

Beloved Brethren : As you are about to go forth under the direc- 
tion of the Board of Foreign Missions, you will doubtless expect to re- 
ceiv^e from tliem special instructions as to the course you are to pursue. 
In performing this duty on their behalf, permit me to remind you of the 
importance of the position you are to occupy. The great empire of 
China is to be the field of your labors. You go out, not as ambassadors 
from an earthly government, but as ministers of the kingdom of Christ — 
not to treat with secular powers on great national questions, but to bear 
communications of divine love, beseeching the heathen to be reconciled to 
God. 

Yours is an office unequaled in dignity by any within the gift of man. 
It has relation to the soul and eternity. The responsibilities involved 
178 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 179 

are of the most solemn character. Upon the manner in which this voca- 
tion is filled will very much depend your success. I will call your 
attention to the following suggestions, which you will doubtless perceive 
to be appropriate, and endeavor to carry out in your future course : 

1. It will be important to maintain a free and fraternal intercourse 
with the Board. We are your friends, your brethren in Christ. It is 
ours to regard the will of the denomination in all phms which may be 
adopted, but this will not be incompatible with special concern for your 
welfare. We shall sympathize with you in your sorrows and joys, and 
extend to you whatever means may be in our power to promote your 
happiness. You may, therefore, safely confide in the Board. Whatever 
measures they may propose to carry out, you may consider as demanded 
by the sentiment of the churches and the circumstances in which they 
are placed. You will not hesitate freely to communicate with them on 
all matters pertaining to yourselves and to the mission. A regular 
journal should be kept by you and transmitted to us, or such reports of 
your labors as will furnish a distinct view of the manner in which your 
time is employed. It will be important that the Board hear from you 
frequently. Scenes and circumstances connected with your operations it 
will be proper to describe with as much vividness and point as possible. 
This will enable us to present the information requisite to animate the 
friends of missions in their sacrifices and contributions. 

2. Allow me to enforce the cultivation of fraternal feelings among 
yourselves. You would be more than human not to find occasions when 
differences of judgment respecting plans of action would be entertained. 
By reason of constitutional infirmities, too, you will be in danger of say- 
ing or doing that which may tempt to alienation of heart. Beware of 
strife among yourselves. Cautiously avoid all evil surmisings and jeal- 
ousies — cultivate that charity which " sufiereth long and is kind, which 
envieth not, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil." Love as brethren, 
pray for each other regularly, bear each other's burdens, and provoke 
each other only to love and good works. 

3. In the pursuance of your work you should cultivate habits of 
economy. It must not be presumed that the Christian missionary is 
altogether exempted from the temptation to extravagance in his pecu- 
niary expenditures. In some instances the temptation is stronger than 
even in a Christian land. In Eastern cities, where a small circle of 
Europeans and Americans are collected for purposes of gain or national 
diplomacy, their circumstances allowing them to indulge in an expen- 
sive style of living, the missionary will be in danger of aiming to move 
in the same sphere. But, my brethren, you should remember that you 
are the servants of him who in his mission to earth " endured the cross, 
despising the shame." You will be everywhere regarded as specimens 



180 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

of self-denial — as those who in an eminent measure walk even as Christ 
walked. Let this peculiar glory of the Christian missionary be yours. 
In your dress and style of living study simplicity. Be conscientiously 
and rigidly economical in your habits. The Board are not, indeed, 
willing that you should suffer ; the churches owe to you a competent 
support, and this we will endeavor to secure. But let it be constantly 
borne in mind that funds are with difficulty obtained, and that an 
economical disbursement will enable the Board to increase the number 
of its missionaries. 

4. In respect to your intercourse with the people for whom you labor 
it may not be improper to say a word. You should, as far as practicable, 
mingle with them. Our religion encourages the exercise of the social 
principle. The great Redeemer, as he went about doing good, was found 
in the dwellings of all classes of society. You will find it contributing 
essentially to your success to visit from house to house in the prosecution 
of your ministry. The idiom of the language will be more readily ac- 
quired, while the ascertainment of the habits and customs of the people, 
their modes of thought and expression, will prepare you clearly and 
forcibly to commend the truth in the great congregation. You will also 
by the manifestation of a generous spirit and a courteous manner find a 
way to the affections of the people. They will be ready to listen to the 
word because they respect and love you. In your associations it will be 
necessary to avoid all interference with political questions. "My king- 
dom is not of this world," said the divine Prince, and while the tendency 
of the gospel is to uproot every unholy influence in the social and polit- 
ical world, it is inconsistent with the vocation of the Christian minister 
to mingle in worldly strife. He has a higher and holier duty to perform. 
You will therefore, my dear brethren, as far as may be consistent with 
your obligations to Jesus Christ and your usefulness, conform yourselves 
to the circumstances by which you are surrounded. 

5. Permit me to say a word with respect to your public ministrations. 
As soon as you shall sufficiently acquire the language to make yourselves 
clearly understood, you are to engage in preaching the gospel. This is 
your appropriate work. For this you are distinctly sent forth ; you go 
from this land not to engage in scientific research or pecuniary specula- 
tions, not to represent the best form of government or to exhibit the 
various stores of human knowledge, but to preach the gospel. 

You can, indeed, show to them the purest system of ethics the world has 
ever seen, but this would only still more embitter the cup of their misery 
were it not that you can point to the Lamb of God that taketh away the 
sin of the world. Hold up, then, the cross — know nothing among them 
but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. You may almost endlessly diversiiy 
your methods of teaching. Your arguments and illustrations may vary 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 181 

according to the character and circumstances of those you address, but in 
all places and at all times the love of God to a lost race is to be the great 
theme of your addresses. 

6. Allow us, my dear brethren, in this brief directory, to caution you 
against the spirit of despondency. To this fell influence you will be ex- 
posed. Now you are in the presence of your friends ; every eye directed 
to you is moistened with the tear of sympathy, every hand extended to 
you is nerved with the strength of aflection. Sere you are surrounded 
with the sweet and hallowed associations of our holy religion. You listen 
to supplications from many kindred spirits and praises from a thousand 
raptured tongues. There is, too, thrown around the enterprise in which 
you engage something of the romantic, which tends to animate the soul. 
But presently all will be changed ; you will brave the dangers of the 
deep, and soon be found in the midst of idolaters. Beyond your own 
little circle you will not hear mentioned the revered names of the great 
Jehovah and his Son Jesus Christ, but be familiar only with gods made 
by human hands — gods that can neither see nor hear nor save. You 
will sit down to acquire, by slow degrees, an unknown language ; and 
then, when you begin to publish the salvation of the gospel, they may 
not receive your message — you may be treated with scorn by some and 
with opposition by others. Under such circumstances you will be in 
danger of yielding to discouragement. But you need not despond. By 
whose command do you go forth ? Is it not the glorified Eedeemer's ? 
On whose promise do you rely for support ? Is it not that of the im- 
mutable God ? He who sends you to preach the gospel has said, " Lo, 
I am with you alway, even to the end of the world." The very word 
which impels you to this service contains the foundation on which you 
may rest for consolation. 

7. That you may be prepared, cheerfully and suc-cessfully, to prosecute 
these labors, I will lastly beg to impress upon your minds the importance 
of cherishing habitual spirituality of mind. Let your aims be simple, 
your heart right in the sight of God. Cultivate communion with God. 
Familiarize yourself with the realities of eternity and the worth pf the 
soul. Contemplate the objects in which you are engaged as accordant 
with the predictions and commands of God's word and identified with 
his glory. Be much engaged in prayer, and let the precious promises of 
the gospel be the ground of your support and comfort. If it be your 
supreme desire to please God in all things, you will not be without most 
cheering indications of his favor. If the honor of Christ shall be the 
great object at which you aim, he will be near to defend and bless. He 
that toucheth you will touch the apple of his eye. His smile will rest 
upon your endeavors, and though you go forth weeping, bearing precious 
seed, you shall return again with rejoicing, bringing your sheaves with 
16 



182 LIFE AND TIMES OP JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

you. And in the day when he cometh to make up his jewels he will re- 
cognize you as his own, and save you with an everlasting salvation. 

Having given them these parting counsels, he "accompanied 
them to the ship," made all the arrangements for their long 
voyage, and at the last moment bade them a father's loving 
farewell. 

Till quite recently, all the missionaries of the Board -went to 
China by this route, and in almost every case the Correspond- 
ing Secretary personally contracted for the passage, purchased 
the necessary articles, and superintended the embarkation. 
This involved heavy responsibility and required business ability, 
Avhile it often subjected him to peculiar cares and labors. But 
it is not too much to say that he was eminently successful in 
the discharge of these duties, while he endeared himself to the 
hearts of his missionary brethren and sisters by his kind atten- 
tions to their comfort and solicitude for their welfare. 

The following extracts from one of his letters home give 
some account of the sailing of the first missionaries . 

New York, June 24, 1846. 
I mentioned in my last that the brethren had left. You will be sur- 
prised to learn this, as you remember the calculation was that the ship 
would not leave until the 26th. We reached Philadelphia in the midst 
of a storm on Saturday afternoon, and were kept at the d^pot an hour, 
after which we proceeded to Mr. Stokes' vS, where we were most gladly re- 
ceived. After a cup of tea I walked down to the Depository. Brother 
Loxley met me with an exclamation of joy, saying he was glad to see 
me — that the news had arrived of the early departure of the vessel. By 
the telegraph a message had been received an hour before inquiring for 
Brethren Pearcy and Clopton. I immediately determined, unpleasant 
as it was to my feelings, to start next morning (Lord's Day), and walked 
down to the telegraph-office and sent a message to that effect to New 
York ; then I went in pursuit of the brethren and informed them they 
must meet me at the wharf at seven o'clock. At that hour we left Phila- 
delphia, and arrived at New York at one o'clock, and found the friends 
waiting anxiously for us. J. and I went to a hotel, and after an hour or 
two I found a home at Mr. Thomas's, where all the missionaries were 
staying. At half-past three o'clock we went to Dr. Cone's church, and at 
night heard Brother Dean at the Tabernacle, where the congregation was 
addressed by Brethren Dean and Clopton. These were both intere'^ting 



LIFE AXD TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 183 

meetings. Monday morning at an early hour we were all out completing 
the purchases, and at ten o'clock everything was ready at the wharf. I 
believe we should not have done better if we had had a week before us. 
The funds from Brother Thomas had not arrived, so that I borrowed five 
hundred dollars in silver and placed them in the hands of Brother Pearcy. 
The ship had moved out in the stream early in the morning, and at 
eleven o'clock, with a large number of friends, we left the dock in a 
steamer, and in a few minutes the vessel was under way, being towed 
down the stream by the steamboat. The Hon. Alexander Everett, 
Minister from our Government to China, and his lady, were with us, and 
will go out in the Cahota. 

On board the vessel, the cabin being perfectly jammed and all stand- 
ing, we mingled in appropriate religious exercises. I addressed the con- 
gregation after the singing of a hymn. Mr. Dowling prayed, another 
verse was sung, and then, with quivering lip and deep emotion, Mr. 
Everett made a few remarks. Mr. Stewart then prayed, and the signal 
was given by the captain that the vessel would leave the steamer. We 
all gave the missionaries the parting hand, and the vessel in full sail, 
" like a thing of life," moved away from us, and in a few minutes was 
entirely out of sight. 

I returned to my lodgings almost exhausted with what I had passed 
through and the anxiety I had suffered the day before lest we should not 
be ready for the vessel. All, however, has been overruled for good. We 
have abundant reason to be grateful to God for his guidance thus far, 
and we hope the result will be to his praise. Our missionaries have 
made a good impression on the people here ; all speak in admiration of 
them. Brother Clopton acquitted himself well in the remarks he made 
at the Tabernacle. It was the best address I have ever heard from him. 
The sisters, too, have endeared themselves to those who made their ac- 
quaintance. 

The Cahota is a fine vessel, and the accommodations are ample. She 
has a cow on board giving milk, several sheep and pigs for the use of 
the table, and about one thousand fowls, with all the luxuries of the 
season for present use, and an abundant supply of everything necessary 
for the comfort of the passengers. 

I am now very busy securing information in reference to our future 
operations, I shall be here a day or two, and then will leave for Boston, 
as it is absolutely necessary to arrange for the transmission of funds, 
from time to time, to China. It is hardly possible for me to say when I 

shall return, but as soon as I can 

Boston, July 1, 1846. 

I have been exceedingly busy since I came here, attending the mis- 
sion-rooms and receiving information on various points. In an hour 



184 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

from this (half-past seven A. m.) I leave for New Bedford to see Thomas 
Allen, the colored brother who was expected to go out to Africa ; will 
leave that place in the afternoon for Kew York, and stay there a day or 
two, a day in Philadelphia, and perhaps a day in Washington to see 
Brother Tobey, who is thinking of missionary-life, so that I can hardly 
reach home before Sunday While I am at the North it is im- 
portant I should accomplish various objects connected with our mission 
operations. 

The meeting of designation * yesterday afternoon was quite solemn and 
impressive, Mr. Judson looks well. I am much pleased with his wife ; 
she has a fine eye, and, I judge, is admirably suited for a missionary's 
wife. I called and spent a few minutes with them yesterday ; also on 
Mr. Stow and Dr. Sharp 

About six months later Mr. Shuck returned to China, accom- 
panied by Yong Seen Sang, the native preacher. Mr. Shuck, 
a Virginian, was the first American Baptist missionary located 
in the empire of China. He had been ten years preaching the 
gospel to the Chinese under the patronage of the Boston Board. 
He now went out as a missionary of the Southern Board. With 
him went out Mr. Tobey. Mr. Roberts, who had been labor- 
ing in Canton, also became a missionary of the Southern Board. 
Subsequently, Messrs. Yates and James and Johnson and 
Whilden reinforced the mission stations ; and as all except Mr. 
Roberts and Mr. Johnson were married men, the Board had 
thus appointed and put to work in China sixteen missionaries, 
besides six native assistants. 

In Africa, too, seven stations were occupied by thirteen mis- 
sionaries and teachers, among whom were such men as Day and 
Drayton and Cheeseman and Davis, whose names and labors 
became subsequently familiar and dear to all the friends of the 
African mission. 

With the appointment of these men and women to represent 
the Board by preaching Christ in heathen lands, the new and 
important work of corresj^ondence with them devolved upon 
the Secretary — a duty becoming more and more heavy as the 
number increased and the work expanded. Only an inspection 
of the letter-books themselves would give any idea of the vast 
"••• Of Dr. and Mrs. Judson. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOE. 185 

amount of writing which this correspondence necessitated. But 
the amount was nothing compared with what was necessary as 
regards the character of the letters. Innumerable business de- 
tails were to be attended to, delicate topics were often to be 
treated, and treated frankly, while it was essential that the tone 
should be that of elevated spirituality. It was the Secretary's 
part to utter such words of cheer and caution and counsel as 
might aid those "toilers in the deep" of heathenism. In the 
incipiency of the work, if there were fewer to write to, the diffi- 
culty of writing was probably greater, since all was so new both 
to him and most of them ; and important questions were then 
constantly arising which were subsequently decided by expe- 
rience and precedent. The letters written were of two kinds — • 
namely, those to the individual missionary, and those addressed 
to the different missions. The former were sent every month, 
and the latter at longer intervals. To illustrate the manner in 
which the Secretary did this part of his work, and to answer a 
question which has no doubt often occurred to the reader's 
mind — viz., "What would the Secretary have to write about?" 
— a few extracts from the correspondence of the first four or 
five years are subjoined. They are of course mere specimens; 
indeed, they are not fair specimens, for those letters which 
would most show the prudence and gentleness and firmness and 
meekness of the writer may not be inserted in these pages : 

Richmond, June 26, 1847. 
Dear Brother Shuck : You can scarcely imagine my feelings as 
the Ashburton moved aAvay from the wharf and her opening canvas 
faded away in the distance. I thought of the beloved group with whom 
I had just mingled in bidding a last farewell, while many reminiscences 
of the past, both painful and pleasant, rushed upon my mind. The most 
abiding impression, however, was connected with the thought that the 
ascended Kedeemer's glory was identified with the cause upon which you 
were embarked. Those beloved brethren and sisters leaving home and 
kindred I recognize as engaged in a mission of love, as going forth to 
proclaim the love of him who gave his life a ransom for many. This 
love had impelled them to the work, and I could not but find my own 
heart more tenderly attached to them, while my purposes of devotion to 

their Lord and mine were increased 

16* 



186 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

You have now been out nearly four months, and I suppose, with 
favorable gales, are nearly, if not quite, at the end of your voyage. For 
a short time you will no doubt remain at Canton, and before this reaches 
you you will in all probability have arrived at Shanghai. That great 
and interesting field being spread out before you, I trust you will be 
enabled in the strength of the Lord to cultivate it well, and that he will 
abundantly prosper the work of your hands. I need hardly encourage 
you to trust in him. Your past experience will sufficiently attest not 
only the necessity but the blessedness of such confidence. How utterly 
futile would be every effort to storm the strongholds of the powers of 
darkness in heathen lands without the divine influence ! God will he 
ever near his servants. His promise remains firmer than the everlasting 
hills. Belying on his power and grace, you may expect to receive at his 
hands all wisdom and strength, and in a supreme devotion to his king- 
dom and glory he will bless you and make you a blessing. 

I do not hesitate to say that I am thankful to God for his influence in 
furnishing such a band of brethren and sisters for the new station at 
Shanghai. My confidence is more and more increased the better I be- 
come acquainted with them. In this I speak the sentiment of the Board. 
To you, my dear brother, we look especially on account of the deep 
interest you have shown in the welfare of China, and your experience in 
all that relates to the China mission. Although ours is to be a new 
station, yet the other brethren we send will have the advantage of being 
associated with one who has for years been engaged in the work of 
preaching the gospel to the heathen. It is true, you will be thrown 
among those of other denominations who have for a short period pre- 
occupied the field, but this will be found in many respects an advantage. 
They will receive you as co-workers in the same blessed employ, and 
will no doubt render all the assistance proper and necessary. While you 
keep up friendly relations with them, you can of course strike out your 
own plans and pursue your own labors, aiming, as far and as fast as pos- 
sible, to spread the truth as it is in Jesus. I trust you will be enabled 
to present to them and to the heathen around you examples of self- 
denial, patience, humility, deadness to the world, activity, and zeal which 
shall lead all to take knowledge of you that you have been with Jesus. 
The time is not distant, I hope, when we shall find the number of our 
missionaries greatly increased at Shanghai. The future character and 
success of the mission will greatly depend upon the mould which shall 
now be given to it. The Lord give you all requisite wisdom and grace. 

I beg you, as soon as you arrive and can secure the information, to 
give a reply to the following inquiries : I. What are the facilities for a 
judicious circulation of the Bible at Shanghai ? II. What version is 
most approved? What are its defects? its cost? Ill, Are there oppor- 



LIFE AND times' OP JAMES B. TAYLOR. 187 

tunities of printing tracts at Shanghai ? IV. Will it be wise to appro- 
priate funds for the distribution of tracts ? This I wish to ascertain, 
as we shall apply to the American Tract Society. V. What are the 
opportunities of mingling with the people in the city ? Are you per- 
mitted to pass into the interior? and how far? VI. What is the condi- 
tion of the female schools at Shanghai ? Will you be able to arrange 
in our mission for exerting an influence on females in any way? VIL 
What amount will it be wise to appropriate for each of these objects 
for 1848? VIII. What are the facilities for building a chapel at 
Shanghai ? Can a fee-simple right to ground be secured, and will the 
title be indisputable ? As soon as your mission is organized, and you 
have opportunity to inquire on the subject, it will be proper to report, 
on all the inquiries I make, in full 

Richmond, March 21, 1848. 
Rey. F. C. Johnson, Canton : 

Deah Brother : I was truly happy to take yours of November 25th 
from the office, as it had been some time since we heard from you. 
The improvement of your health is a subject of thanksgiving, though 
I regret to learn that you are still suflering from the influence of accli- 
mation. Most fervently do we all pray that your strength may be con- 
firmed, and that the God of all power and grace may long spare you 
to be made a blessing to those by whom you are surrounded. Your 
ramble upon "the top of Hong-Kong Peak" must have been anything 
but pleasant, and the toil and anxiety of the night were hardly repaid 
by gratified curiosity. I fear that your sickness may be somewhat 
traceable to the exposure of those hours. You must take the best care 
of yourself now with respect to diet, exercise, etc. You will soon learn 
what is requisite by a careful observation of the tendencies of your 
physical constitution. It has been intimated by some of the brethren 
at Shanghai that it may become necessary for Brother Pearcy and your- 
self to locate yourselves at Fuh Chow or some other station, on ac(;ount 
of the unhealthiness of Canton. Of this you will soon be able to form 
some idea. It is suggested by some that your immediate location is 
unhealthy. Is it so ? Is there anything in that particular part of the 
city which would render it less desirable in this respect as a residence ? 
If it should be advisable to abandon that position, can one more favor- 
able be secured ? Can the present property be sold on favorable terms ? 

We have apprehended serious difficulty in the prosecution of your 
missionary labors from the feverish state of the popular mind in Can- 
ton. The strong prejudice existing against the English, and the diffi- 
culty of distinguishing between them and Americans, must interpose 
a serious difficulty in your way. 



188 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

Your observations to us on the language are full of interest. The 
translations I have always supposed were imperfect. It could hardly 
be expected that they would be otherwise at first. Indeed, it will 
probably be many years before a translation can be secured which 
would be free from defects. In the mean time, it would be proper, I 
presume, to distribute the Scriptures, containing as they do the words 
of eternal life, though imperfectly translated, unless there is reason to 
believe that some radical defect exists. I agree with you as to the im- 
policy of indiscriminate circulation. It would be well to accompany 
the gift of the Scriptures with conversation as to their design, import, 
and tendency, urging at the same time the obligation to read them. 
This, I presume, the missionaries are accustomed to do. In regard to 
tracts, will it not be proper that those which are brought into circula- 
tion shall be subjected to a careful revision ? , I do not refer to the senti- 
ment so much, as it is presumed nothing improper in this respect would 
be sent forth, but to the translation. It should be thoroughly examined 
by good judges of the Chinese language — by learned Chinese them- 
selves. This remark is occasioned by your allusion to the subject. I 
was surprised to learn from your letter that your teacher considered the 
tracts put into circulation as unintelligible. The mission should give 
special attention to this subject. 

I confess I was somewhat prepared to hear of the defective piety of the 
converts in Canton. When we consider the selfishness and duplicity 
peculiar to the Chinese, along with the fact that even under the eye of 
the apostles the churches gathered from heathenism were subject to the 
most scandalous offences, it is not surprising that some of those who pro- 
fess Christ in China, even if they are his disciples, should be very defec- 
tive in their character. Discipline, however, must be exercised, and in- 
struction given, so that existing abuses may be removed. I would beg 
leave to suggest, with regard to any evils which Brother Pearcy or your- 
self may perceive in Brother Roberts's church, that you may make them 
the subject of free conversation. I presume that affectionate counsel will 
not be unacceptable to him. With respect also to anything deemed 
defective in the views or plans of Brother Roberts, he ought to be thank- 
ful for your suggestions and advice. It is not always pleasant to have 
one's operations called in question, but in matters involving so seriously 
the interests of souls and the kingdom of Christ, faithfulness not only be- 
comes a duty, but should be desired. I trust that you will all be per- 
fectly joined together in one mind. No one should be willing to bear 
the responsibility of deciding alone important questions, and if you pro- 
pose in the mission that any subject shall be considered, I liope that 
Brother Roberts will not object. 

You speak of the encouraging aspects of the mission- work in China. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 189 

No reason for despondency can exist while you have the cross of Christ 
as the mighty instrument of warring with the powers of darkness, and 
the pledges of him who has the hearts of all men in his hands, whose 
faithfulness fails not. Carey, with his associates, labored eight years 
before Kristnu was baptized ; and Judson, with his compeers, seven or 
eight ere the fruit of their labor began to appear. Ye shall reap if ye 
faint not 

[Letter to J. L. Shuck.] 

Richmond, March 16, 1848. 

Yours of the 17th of November has just come to hand. I can rejoice 
with you that your long and perilous voyage is terminated, and that the 
circumstances by which you are surrounded seem so favorable. Truly 
can I unite with you in the hope that " God has good in store for the 
Southern Baptist Convention's missions at Shanghai." That this may 
be the result of your operations should be a subject of unceasing prayer. 
Be assured that you will not be forgotten by me. 

I shall feel deeply solicitous that our dear brethren of the Shanghai 
mission cultivate habitual fellowship with God, and that they give such 
evidence of spirituality and humble devotion to the glory of God as shall 
make them " our epistles, known and read of all men." Not only is it im- 
portant that they exercise a sound discretion in all their plans, and 
pursue those plans with energy and perseverance, but that they maintain 
a simple-hearted reference to the honor of him who has called them into 
the work. Indeed, this may be considered the highest qualification for 
the missionary service. It is, in heathen as in Christian lands, abso- 
lutely essential to success. Without elevated piety the servant of Christ 
will find himself in the exercise of a doubtful, feeble influence. And 
how difficult it is to maintain such a character ! Whether at home or 
abroad, in the city or wilderness, among God's people or his enemies, 
Christians or pagans, peculiar temptations will be found — temptations to 
forget God and to seek unduly the things of this world. The Christian 
missionary has some advantages over the minister at home, but then I 
suppose he labors under some disadvantages. After all, we can go no- 
where and be placed in no circumstances where we shall not be in danger 
of assault from our spiritual foes, and where it will not be necessary to 
exercise vigilance and to use habitually the whole armor of God. 

Brother in one of his letters refers to the feeling of disappoint- 
ment he has experienced in becoming familiar with missionaries in 
foreign lands. He remarks, "The world, the world is leading away mis- 
sionaries. I fear its influence over my own heart." The idea univer- 
sally prevalent is, that missionaries possess a superior order of piety, but 
in fact a superior piety is needed anywhere and everywhere by those who 



190 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

minister in holy things if they would glorify God and save souls from 
perdition. 

As I said before, I feel deeply anxious that our brethren in Shanghai 
shall cultivate spirituality of mind, aiming at a high standard of Christian 
excellence. This train of thought is not indulged because I entertain 
suspicions in regard to them, but because I desire to encourage them in 
the exercise of a mutually beneficial influence on each other. I write 
thus also because you, being the senior missionary, may be able to give 
a sort of tone to the character of the junior members of the mission. God 
may make you the instrument of moulding and marking the mission, so 
that in all future time our missionaries will receive an influence of the 
most sanctifying character by their very connection with it. You will 
all have an advantage in commencing anew. God grant that you may 
be men of much prayer, of strong faith, of deep humility, of tender sym- 
pathy, of burning zeal, so that you may be able experimentally to say, 
" I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless, I live ; yet not I, but Christ 
liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh. Hive by the faith 
of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." .... 

My chief hope is that the spirit of prayer will be poured out upon 
the churches, and then the Lord of the harvest will find the men and 
the means to sustain them 



[Letter to F. S. James, Monrovia.] 

March 31, 1848. 

I was truly happy to learn by yours of the 31st of December that 
the Lord was still indicating his readiness to bless the work of your 
hands. The reception of so many who gave evidence of a thorough 
turning to God must have served to encourage you in the prosecution 
of your labors. You will now find it important to indoctrinate those 
who have been brought into the church, by giving them suitable in- 
struction in spiritual things, and by training them to the exercises of 
the Sunday-school. If they are adults, they may be usefully employed 
either in giving or receiving instruction. They may also bring their 
families into the school, and induce others, both children and adults, 
to enter. Endeavor to avail yourself of the best men and women you 
have to engage as teachers. In the room where I am now writing may 
be found, every Lord's Day, adult classes, some of them having persons of 
forty or fifty years of age. You will find this, at all your preaching- 
places, one of the most interesting and efficient means of doing good. 
Not only are the taught benefited, but a happy reflex influence is produced 
on those who teach. I will suggest that prayer-meetings, to be held 
some evening during the week, be established and regularly kept up. 
Especially on the Lord's Day, even if no preacher be present, should 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 191 

the Lord's people meet for his worship, to sing, prav, read his word, etc. 
Where the Snndav-school is established these exercises may follow 
after its adjournment. Another suggestion I will make: every church, 
from its earliest organization, should be accustomed to pecuniary con- 
tributions to the extent of its ability. Some system ought to be 
adopted. Either a weekly or monthly appropriation should be made 
to assist in sustaining the operations of the Board. Even if the contri- 
butions are small, yet doing what they could the offering of the disci- 
ples would be acceptable to the Lord, and redound to their own profit 
and the extension of the cause in regions beyond. The principle also— 
an important one — would be acknowledged that it is the duty of every 
man, as soon as he becomes a Christian, to engage as a co-worker with 
God in the sublime purpose of filling the earth with the knowledge 
of the truth. I refer to these things because you are now laying the 
foundation of a great work in Africa. The whole of your coast, at no 
distant day, is to be lined with villages, and filled with churches made 
up of true believers, and it is important to give a proper direction to 
things in their incipiency. In regard to this whole subject I will ask 
you to consult Brother Teague, as I have confidence in his judgment, 
and he will no doubt be able and willing to assist you in these matters. 

In my letter of July 26, 1847, I propounded a number of inquiries 
which you will favor me by answering at your earliest convenience. 
I have sent a few books to be used as a mission library ; among them, 
"Dwight's Theology." It will be well for you to read it, as it will 
furnish you much valuable information on theological subjects. As a 
young man it will be important for you to give some attention to read- 
ing. Always have some work in course of reading, that you may devote 
every leisure moment in this way. The Lord, I trust, intends to render 
you a means of lasting benefit to the cause. 

Deeply did I sympathize with you in the unexpected and violent 
death of your brother. May it be sanctified to the good of all ! I was 
affected in learning the death of Brother Drew."^ I have known him 
for many years. He was a good man, and had he been spared would 
have been an ornament to the cause of Christ and an honor to the 
colony. AVhere are his wife and family ? What are they doing? If 
they are in your region, please remember me to them, and do what you 
can to comfort and assist them. 

I will ask you to give me definite information in regard to your 
school. How many of its pupils are colonists? how many natives? 
What number boys ? how many girls ? their ages ? their studies ? im 
provement? etc. 

* A colonist, from Clarkesville, Virginia. 



192 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

The Board have appropriated two hundred dollars for the erection 
of your house, and one hundred dollars to assist in the erection of a 
chapel. You will consult with Brother Day on the subject. I suppose 
the amount you have already expended upon a house will not be thrown 
away. You will be able to make that available to some extent, as you 
will expect to build at the same place. If I understood you aright, you 
have secured for our Board five acres of land, upon which you began 
to build, and which you desire further to improve. Please give me all 
the information you can about your houses, the location, size, cost, etc. 

The Lord, I trust, will continue to bless you and make you a blessing. 
Still wait upon him, and labor on in his cause. Your work will not be 
vain in the Lord. You will allow me to receive quarterly reports, 
journal, etc. 

[To Yong Seen Sang.] 

October 25, 1848. 

Wishing to inquire after your spiritual welfare, and to know what are 
your feelings and prospects in your new field of labor, I conclude to write 
you a few lines. It was my privilege to be with you frequently while 
you were in America, and I could not but love you because you seemed 
to love the Lord Jesus Christ. The pleasant seasons I spent with you 
will not soon be forgotten. They were brief seasons, as we were obliged 
to separate in attending to our duty in the service of our great Master. 
It is probable we shall never meet again on earth, but if we are the 
Lord's people and truly love and serve him, we shall see each other in 
that blessed world Avhere we shall part no more for ever. 

How do you like your new home in Shanghai ? Can you understand 
the people around you, and are you able to converse with them ? Have 
you been able yet to preach Jesus, and him crucified, to the multitudes 
in that great city ? Have you not a strong desire to see them turning 
from their idols and worshiping the living and true God ? I will ask 
you too, my dear brother, whether you enjoy more consolation as you 
learn more of the religion of Jesus? In your study of the Chinese Scrip- 
tures do you find yourself more and more learning the will of God and 
the plan of salvation ? Do you love the Saviour with stronger and 
warmer heart as you think more and more of his love to you ? 

I hope your family are well. Is your wife yet a Christian, or your 
daughter? If you pray to God for them, and try to win them to the 
knowledge of the truth, it may be that they also will love and serve the 
blessed Saviour. What a blessing would this be ! 

As I travel from place to place the brethren frequently inquire about 
you- If they knew I was writing they would say, " Give my love to 
Yong Seen Sang." I hope you will write to me soon ; and Teacher Shuck 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOE. 193 

will translate it for me, and I will publish it in the Journal, that all oar 
brethren and friends in this country may hear from you 

[To Kev. M. T. Yates.] 

October, 1849. 

I have been truly gratified in reading your communication to the 
Raleigh Association. It will do good. The spirit it breathes and the 
wholesome sentiments it contains will win upon our brethren of your 
native State, even those who are inclined lo suspicion and hostility. By 
addressing an occasional letter to the Association a gradual change in the 
views and feelings of the denomination with respect to missions may be 
anticipated. You know something of the state of things among the 
churches — how utterly dead they have been to the great responsibility of 
giving the gospel to the world. Though we had an agent part of the 
year, and although the Raleigh Association was pledged for your sup- 
port, w^e received from the whole State during the financial year but 
eight hundred and eighty dollars and seventy-eight cents. This is about 
two cents per member annually. It is truly a day of small things. It is 
not, however, to be despised. A change will take place. God will pour 
out his spirit upon his people, and their slumbering energies will be 
awakened. Our progress will not be rapid, but its rapidity will increase 
from year to year. You may sometimes think that as a Board we mani- 
fest a niggardly spirit in the appropriation of funds, and that we are 
looking with too careful an eye to the manner in which they are dis- 
bursed. But our brethren, by a little consideration, may perceive the 
circumstances in which we are situated. The churches place but a small 
amount in our hands, and much of this is given by the poor and as the 
result of a careful economy. In the use of this money we have no in- 
terest separate from that which our brethren of the different missions 
have. We seek one common end. It is ours to regard the different sta- 
tions, and in the most economical and judicious manner distribute the 
funds entrusted to us, having a view to the gradual reinforcement of these 
stations. We wish to be able to say to a captious brother who may per- 
haps be willing to give us something, as well as to the conscientious con- 
tributor, "Our brethren who labor in the foreign field are comfortably 
sustained, but they are living in plain style, are rigidly economical, and 
are exercising a judicious care in the use of funds placed in their hands." 
You will see, my brother, how very delicate is the position of the Board, 
sustaining as they do a very tender relation to their brethren abroad, 
whom they love, and lying under very serious responsibilities to the 
churches and Convention. I have found it difiScult, for instance to 
show brethren of plain habits in the country why it should be necessary 
to send to the Shanghai Mission for the eleven months ending April 1, 
17 N 



194 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

1849, besides the chapel fund, eight thousand one hundred and fifty-four 
dollars and seventy-seven cents, when we had only three families to 
sustain. We shall no doubt be able both at home and abroad to exercise 
a right spirit in reference to this subject, the Board being ready to take lib- 
eral views of things, and the missionaries being prepared to make their funds 
available in promoting the great object to the greatest possible extent 

[To Rev. M. T. Yates.] 

NOVEMBEH 1, 1849. 

My dear Brother : Your acceptable letter, dated July 13th, has come 
to hand. Truly thankful am I to learn that you are recovering from the 
aflfliction to which you have been subject. The loss of sight would be a 
sore calamity, but we trust, under the careful treatment which has been 
adopted, you will be entirely restored. If indeed it shall be the will of 
God to permit you to live and labor in your present field, we cannot but 
hope that as a preacher of Christ's gospel you will be permitted to win 
many souls to him, and be the means of putting into operation such in- 
fluences as shall ultimately evangelize the whole of China. It is with 
this grand result in view we wish you to exercise all due caution in re- 
gard to health. If close confinement injures your eyes, do not tax them 
until the disease is removed, but calculate, as you have done, to take 
much exercise, using your ears and your tongue conversing with the 
people. You will thus be able to acquire the language more readily,* 
especially in the pronunciation of words ; and besides, you may be per- 
mitted to persuade efiTectually some souls to love Jesus Christ, and to treat 
him as their only hope. 

Your suggestions in regard to printing in your note of June 10th are 
judicious. I thank you for the information. With respect to the in- 
frequency of your letters to which you allude, and of which I wrote, do 
not understand me as finding fault. It is better as you suggest, " not to 
write at all than to Avrite in a bad spirit." Nor would we wish to re- 
ceive from our missionaries what may be called "fanciful " letters. Per- 
sonally, I am happy to hear from you, and then, besides all this, your 
letters will excite interest among the thousands of Southern Baptists. 
You can depict, not in fanciful but true colors, the miseries of heathen- 
ism, the foolish customs of the idolaters around you, and describe some 
of their ceremonies, their temples, their gods, their social habits, the city 
in which you dwell, etc., etc. These descriptions of persons, places, and 
things will all have a good efifect. You may, too, present now and then 
an earnest appeal w^hich will wake up the dormant energies of our 
churches. In all respects your letters will be acceptable. 

*This turned out to be the fact. Mr. Yates, compelled by the condition of 
his eyes to abandon books, made unusually rapid progress in acquiring the 
spoken language. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 195 

I think it is well that the plan of putting up a tall spire on your 
chapel has been abandoned. The reasons you suggest are weighty, and 
I wonder not that they have prevailed. With regard to the erection of 
another dwelling for your use, permit me to refer you to my letter to the 
Shanghai mission dated August 24th, which you have probably ere this 
received. The appropriation of an additional twelve hundred dollars 
was then made, with the understanding that for some time you would 
be able to occupy a part of Brother Shuck's house. We are about to 
commence an important mission to Central Africa, which will at first in- 
volve serious expense ; and should the contributions of our churches 
equal our expectations, I think at the close of 1850 we shall be able to 
make the appropriation to your house. In the mean time, I trust, my 
brother, that the connection of the two families in the same house will 
be of mutual benefit. 

I am happy to know you are encouraged in your work. The in- 
quirers, we hope, will be led to Jesus and truly turned to God. It is my 
daily prayer that you may be guided in all your instructions to them, 
and that the work of your hands may be prospered. 

A few days since I attended the North Carolina Convention. It was a 
deeply interesting occasion. Many were in attendance, and the mission 
spirit was exhibited in a more than ordinary measure. Your name and 
Sister Yates's were mentioned often by the brethren with affection, and 
both of you were the subjects of special prayer. 

Remember me affectionately to Sister Yates. Her articles for the 
Commission and her letters are always welcome. 

[Extract of Letter to Rev. J. L. Shuck.] 

August 13, 1851. 
My Dear Brother : I find by your last letter that you are more 
than usually despondent in consequence of some remarks made by some 
member of the Board. Now, I trust you will never suffer yourself to 
be affected by these things while you can be conscious of a steady and 
well-directed endeavor to discharge duty. It has been my portion to 
battle with difficulty and discouragement, and not unfrequently should 
I have yielded my place to another if flesh and blood had been con- 
sulted. But the history of the world shows that no grand results are 
accomplished but by slow degrees and in spite of difficulty and embar- 
rassment. God himself works in this way. Infidelity may ask why an 
infinitely wise and powerful Being should occupy four thousand years 
in maturing and completing, when he might have wrought out at once, 
the stupendous scheme of human redemption. The only answer is, 
" Even so. Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight." So in the con- 
version of the heathen, God could, by the immediate employment of 



196 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

angelic or even Imman instrumentality, bring the nations beneath hia 
sway. But this is not his plan. He perceives it to be better to call 
into exercise the energy, faith, and patience of his servants by fre- 
quently allowijig their best plans to fail and their strongest hopes to be 
disappointed. You have no reason to be disheartened. If other men 
grow weary and faint, let our missionaries be strong in the Lord and in 
the power of his might. They occupy in some respects the vantage- 
ground. Their very position compels them to cast their burdens upon 
the Lord, and in the rich experience of his faithfulness, power, and 
love they are prepared to exclaim, " flow excellent is thy loving-kind- 
ness, O God ! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the 
shadow of thy wings." Our missionary brethren are no more required 
to trust in God than other Christians, but I have always thought them 
more favorably situated for the development of strong faith. 

'• The movmt of clanger is the place 
Where God reveals surprising grace." 

I repeat it, let not your heart be discouraged. If some brother at 
home writes despondingly, or even complainingly, instead of replying 
in the same strain, let the strong faith which God's changeless word 
warrants be evinced. Said Judson, " If any one asks, after so much 
disappointment, whether we hope for success, reply to them, 'As sure 
as the promises of an almighty Jehovah can make it is our confidence 
of ultimate triumph.' " And said Paul, " Seeing we have this ministry, 
as we have received mercy we faint not." Head the fourth, fifth, and 
sixth chapters of Second Corinthians. It may be necessary to argue, 
explain, etc., in answer to such communications, but never write in the 
same strain. Letters breathing such a spirit do harm, whether written 
in this country or in heathen lands. And here I will take occasion to 
gay that the members of the Board are not disheartened. Those that 
really feel interested in the cause are gratified and grateful that so 
much has been done. The Board are more than ever satisfied of the 
feasibility of their operations, and encouraged to prosecute them. 
They believe that these labors will be crowned with success. The 
utmost confidence is exercised in our brethren abroad. We believe 
them to be conscientious men — men who fear God and aim to please 
and glorify him. Besides, the Board consider the experience of the 
mission as worth much. They could not be expected to engage in such 
labors without committing some mistakes, and even these may turn to 
good account. Permit me to remark to you. Brother Shuck, that the 
confidence of which I have spoken is felt in yourself with undiminished 
strength. I trust it will more and more increase. You are our senior 
missionary. China may now be considered as your home. We do not, 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 197 

as sometimes with regard to those who go out, entertain the fear that 
you may become weary in well-doing, and in despair return to this 
country. In many respects you may exercise a blessed influence. As 
an example of love, patience, meekness, discretion, and enlightened 
zeal you may let your light shine. It may be your privilege in a 
measure to shape the course and mould the character of your younger 
brethren who came after you. Let me encourage you to be much en- 
gaged in prayer. Drink deeply of the spirit of Christ. Aim to be 
Christ-like in all things. Your interest in the welfare of the Chinese, 
and your earnestness and energy in the work to which you have been 
called, are Avorthy of all commendation. And your experience, the 
period of life you have reached, give promise that your plans of action 
will be well matured and judicious. Pursue, then, your course, relying 
upon God and aiming at his glory, and you may hope for a large 
reward, if not in this world, in that which is to come. The millions 
of China will be given to Christ, and it may be that you may be per- 
mitted, if you reach the heavenly state, to look back upon your pioneer 
labors as largely contributing to this glorious result. God grant it may 
be soJ . . . . 

In this connection the following incidents may be appropri- 
ately introduced. The first shall be given in the language of 
E,ev. C. F. Sturgis of Alabama, by whom it was kindly com- 
municated to me : 

Cambex, Alabama, February 20, 1872. 
Rev. George B. Taylor — Dear Brother : One of our missionaries 
and wife had returned from the foreign field, and on returning to the 
Association that had sent them out complained of unkind treatment by 
the Board, or it may be by one or both the Secretaries — viz., your father 
and Mr. Poindexter. A committee was raised by our Association to in- 
vestigate the whole matter, of which (if I recollect aright) I was made 
chairman. I think it was in the small hours of the morning when we 
returned to get a little rest for the next day's labors. The committee was 
unanimous in the opinion that no wrong had been done by the Board or 
the Secretaries, and dismissed the case as gently as possible. At the 
next meeting of the Association, twelve months from that time. Brother 
Poindexter was again present, and it was apparent to him that efibrts 
had been made to create a prejudice against the Board or the Secretaries 
(one or both), notwithstanding the investigation above referred to. I had 
an important service to perform on the afternoon of the Sabbath, and 
was walking during the intermission in a retired place with a manu- 
script in my hand. Brother Poindexter, with another brother from the 
region where the unfavorable impression had been made, passed me and 
17- 



198 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

walked on, but soon returned. Brother P. halted and addressed me 
as follows : " You were on the committee fa investigate the charges of Brother 

against the Secretaries. Will you be so kind as to say to this brother 

what impression the reading of the letters of the Secretaries to the missionaries 
made upon your mindf" I suspended my meditation long enough to 
make this reply to him : " I felt, Brother Poindexter, during the read- 
ing of those letters, that if that brother (the missionary) and his wife had 
been my own son or daughter, it would have given me the greatest 
happiness to know that they were receiving just such letters. The 
letters of Brother Taylor especially seemed more like the loving epistles 
of a father to his children than the mere perfunctory communications of 
the Secretary of the Board." Brother P. bowed and expressed his thanks 
for the condensed answer that on the spur of the moment (with my mind 
intensely occupied the moment before with other thoughts) I was enabled 
to give. This occurred many, many years ago, and those little griev- 
ances are all over and forgotten, but that long night spent in listening to 
that correspondence will be remembered; and doubtless the same im- 
pression was made upon all the committee. 

The other incident bearing on the same subject is as follows: 
My brother, James B. Taylor, Jr., was on his way a few years 
ago to one of the meetings of the Southern Baptist Convention. 
Some great Methodist gathering was to convene about the 
same time, and on the train were many ministers of that de- 
nomination. My brother fell in with Rev. Dr. Cunningham, 
and a pleasant conversation followed. Hearing the name 
" James B. Taylor," Dr. C. said, " Are you a relation of James 
B. Taylor, the missionary Secretary?" 

"I am his son. Do you know him?" 

" Yes, I feel that I do know him, though I have never seen 
him. I was a missionary in China, and often read the letters 
he wrote to the missionaries of his Board, and loved him from 
them. Indeed, all of the missionaries at that station used to 
look for his letters with interest, and we all read them with 
delight and profit." 

While the entire policy pursued in the prosecution of the 
foreign mission-work was decided by the Board, and ultimately 
by the Convention, that policy was largely shaped by the Sec- 
retary. And there was one idea which was fundamental with 
him — viz., the importance of instructing the churches in their 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 199 

duty in reference to the evangelization of the world, and lay- 
ing before them the facts of the missionary enterprise. This 
idea involved two others — the wisdom of a liberal employment 
of the best men possible as agents, both to collect money and 
to open springs that might be perennial ; and second, the 
economy of a free use of the press in diffusing missionary senti- 
ments and missionary intelligence. 

In carrying out this last the Board commenced in June, 
1846, the Southern Baptist Missionary Journal, a monthly maga- 
zine, which reached for the most part only the pastors and the 
leading laymen. This did not satisfy him, and he urged the 
issue of a smaller paper in addition, with a view to a general 
circulation. The result was the establishment of the Commis- 
sion, which reached a circulation of 8000. Afterward, about 
1851, both of these were discontinued, and the Home and For- 
eign Journal was commenced, the circulation of which ran up 
to fourteen thousand five hundred. He laid great stress upon 
these organs, and was ready to do anything he could to pro- 
mote their interests. In his journeys and letters he appealed 
for subscribers, and never thought it beneath him to receive 
even the small amount for a single subscriber. On one 
occasion he assumed a pecuniary liability for the issue of one 
of these papers, by which he was subjected to considerable 
loss, so deeply impressed was he with the value of this instru- 
mentality. 

The agency system was less used than it would have been, 
partly on account of the difficulty of securing the right sort of 
men, and partly in deference to a prejudice against it, in some 
regions, as extravagant. This devolved on him the necessity 
for frequent and long journeys, in the intervals between which 
the correspondence and editorial work had to be attended to. 
Indeed, these were often carried on during those hurried, 
fatiguing tours. The agents employed he sought to imbue 
with his spirit, giving them the benefit of his own somewhat 
extended experience in that delicate, arduous, and important 
service. 

The following extracts are from a letter addressed to Elder 



200 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

R. McNabb, who rendered the Board effectual service in North 
Carolina : 

PticiiMOND, January 6, 1818. 

Yours of the 3d instant has just come to hand, and I hasten to reply. 
I assure you my mind is not a little relieved by your acceptance of the 
agency. It has long been a settled conviction with me that whoever shall 
assume the agency for foreign missions in North Carolina, and continue judi- 
ciously and vigorously to prosecute it, will do more to promote the cause 
of truth and righteousness at home than any other five men can do — 
simply upon this princij)le, that he will be continually urging the great 
obligation to give the gospel to the world, and will thus call into exercise 
the same expansive benevolence which brought the Saviour from heaven. 
When the spirit of the gospel, the spirit of Christ, is thus exercised, all 
the great interests of the kingdom of grace will be cared for and sustained. 
Permit me to say that I hope your agency will be permanent. It will 
be important to commence with the understanding that, the Lord willing, 
you will cultivate this particular field for years in succession. I will 
make a few suggestions as to the course it may be best to pursue : 

L Endeavor so to conduct the agency as always to leave behind you a 
good impression. When you plead the cause of missions, in public or in 
private, let it be in the spirit of Christ. Generally speaking, I think it 
better to say but little about those who oppose missions, but take it for 
granted that those you address are favorable. Present such facts and 
arguments as will be likely to convince even the gainsayers. It is some- 
times difficult to preserve one's temper amidst the evidences of worldli- 
ness and covetousness which are too apparent, and thus agents will fre- 
quently contract a sourness of spirit and a habit of scolding which pro-, 
duces almost always a bad effect. 

2. I would suggest that you inform yourself on the whole subject of 
missions. Bead a* few of those books which will give you the requisite 
knowledge — " The Great Commission," by Harris, " Boardman's Life," 
Mrs. Shuck's and Mrs. Judson's Memoirs, etc. I will send you the 
Journal, as you desire, and perhaps some other documents. 

3. I think it would be well to cultivate the field as you go. Visit 
every church of each Association. The Associations of the lower country 
it will be best to take during the spring and winter. You might propose 
to yourself a certain sum for each Association, and let it be known that 
you will try to secure it. Endeavor to provoke each church to love and 
good works by aiming to raise a certain amount within its limits accord- 
ing to the ability of its members. 

4. Let your application be personal as far as possible. You will gene- 
rally secure larger contributions in this way than by depending on public 
collections. Your own discretion, however, will decide upon these points, 



LIFE AKD TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 201 

5. I would suggest that you keep two or three books — one for all sums 
of twenty dollars and upward, paged for different amounts ; another for 
all sums under twenty dollars ; and another, or third book, for churches. 
When, for instance, you go into the neighborhood of a church, call upon 
the more wealthy and liberal, take their subscriptions upon your two first 
books, according to the amounts, and afterward copy under the head of 
the church the subscriptions you thus secure, in your third book 

The first years of the Secretary's career were, in many re- 
spects, peculiarly difficult and trying. Happily, the questions 
arising as to the relations between the new Board and that in 
Boston were promptly settled, the latter retaining the property 
and the liabilities of the old Triennial Convention. This, in- 
deed, enabled the Richmond Board to begin operations with a 
clear field and without embarrassment, but, on the other hand, 
from the nature of the case, they had to encounter all the 
obstacles connected with originating a new enterprise, aided 
only in a very general way by the experiences of other Boards, 
including that to which the support of Southern Baptists had 
been given. Necessarily, many perplexing problems arose 
which have since been definitely settled. These problems were 
sometimes so practical in their bearing that a mistake in their 
decision on the part of any who were concerned was very trou- 
blesome. Then, too, much hard, painful foundation-work was 
to be done, both at home and in the mission-fields. All this, 
of course, laid heavy responsibility on the Secretary, and taxed 
severely both his mind and his heart. It could not be other- 
wise, for, with all the earnest and wise co-operation of the 
Board, such an officer must be to the whole enterprise which 
he conducts what a pastor is to his church. Indeed, while he 
and the Board were ever at one, it was sometimes necessary 
that he should, in a manner, stand between the Board and 
the missionaries, or between the missionaries and the Baptist 
public, or the public and the Board ; and much of the brunt 
and burden had to be borne by him single-handed and alone, 
while trials to the Board or the missions most tenderly touched 
his heart and tried his faith. 

And it pleased Providence that the early history of the 



202 LTFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

Board should be marked by disasters and discouragement. 
"The young, ardent, and devoted Clopton had just begun to 
speak in the language of the Chinese, and by his amiable dis- 
position and courteous manner had secured the regard of the 
natives residing immediately near him, when he was suddenly 
arrested by the hand of death." * Following close upon this 
afflictive event came the sudden death, by drowning, of Dr. J. 
Sexton James and his wife, as they w^ere on their way to 
Shanghai. Two valuable missionaries in Africa also died, 
besides the devoted Goodale, who went out with Bowen as a 
pioneer. Then, Mrs. Whilden died, and the missionaries suf- 
fered from sickness. But even the deaths of these dear mis- 
sionaries were, in some respects, less depressing than the 
necessity for the return of several others to this country. 

Serious obstacles to the prosecution of their work were also 
met by the Board in the course pursued by onef of these mis- 
sionaries, whom, after bearing w'ith him for years, they were 
compelled to dismiss. Besides coming into collision with the 
Board and the other missionaries, he succeeded, for a consider- 
able period, in arraying many brethren, especially in the West, 
against the Board. This whole matter, with others kindred to 
it, though less serious, demanded, on the part of the Secretary, 
the exercise of great patience and meekness, combined with 
wisdom and firmness. Besides the correspondence thus ren- 
dered necessary, he took several journeys to have personal 
interviews with brethren and disabuse their minds, and in some 
cases whole nights were spent in these interviews. It was to 
him, with his simplicity of heart and purity of character, a 
peculiar trial to be so long and intimately connected wdth such 
difficulties, and at times to be the subject of personal suspicion 
or complaint, if not abuse. But these storms were weathered, 
and he came out unscathed, and, in common with the Board, 
fully vindicated before the Southern Baptist public ; but he 
once said that during this period he would som'etimes receive 
letters which would so overcome him that he could not pro- 

* Fourtli Annual Report, 
f Rev. I. J. Roberts. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOE. 203 

ceed in their perusal without falling upon his knees and secur- 
ing special strength. 

One other matter may be mentioned. He was hopeful in 
spirit, and always spoke words of cheer both to his brethren at 
home and to those abroad. But at times he suffered much 
solicitude with reference to the pecuniary support of the mis- 
sionaries, and cherished so close a personal sympathy with them 
in their sufferings and privations as in some good sense to share 
them ; and he did this all the more intensely because he could 
not help seeing that so few bore the missions and the heathen 
on their hearts. Borrowing Carey's well-known figure, it may 
be said that he held hard to the rope which held those whom 
he had helped to let down into the well, so that he often felt 
the strain upon mind and heart. 

Added to all, these earlier missionary labors of the Foreign 
Board, especially in China, were not crowned with large visible 
success ; and as multitudes at home were quite ready to be dis- 
heartened, it became him who was the connecting link between 
the missionaries and the public to keep up a brave heart and 
to utter no mere feigned words of hope for the future. This 
he was able to do, and all his letters and addresses and reports 
declared that while painful trials and long delays might be 
met, trying both faith and patience, ultimate success was as 
certain as the promise of God. His fourth Annual Keport to 
the Convention closes with this language : " It would be un- 
wise to expect a successful issue of our labors without the ex- 
penditure of much thought, time, and money. We have be- 
fore us a great worJc. It will be remembered that our missions 
are from four to twenty thousand of miles distant, that difficult 
languages are to be acquired, and long-venerated institutions 
and superstitions are to be overthrown. Then, our mission- 
aries are men of like passions with ourselves. They are subject 
to all the infirmities of human nature, to errors of judgment 
and despondency of spirit, to weariness, sickness, and death. 
Will it be otherwise expected than that years must elapse and 
much preparatory work be performed ere there shall be a 
general turning to the Lord ? This has been the experience 



204 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOPv. 

of all mission Boards. One of the most judicious missionaries 
in China presented it as his deliberate opinion that * fruit should 
not be expected too soon.' .... In carrying on, then, the 
enterprise we have commenced, it will be needful to exercise 
much patience and faith. We must labor on, imparting liber- 
ally of our time, influence, and money, knowing that in due 
season we shall reap, if we faint not." 

Animated by sentiments like these, he was himself able to 
labor on calmly and joyfully. Nor did God leave him and his 
coadjutors without tokens for good. From the first, the Afri- 
can missions yielded some fruit ; and even in China, while as 
late as the fourth Annual Keport of the Board no converts 
could be reported, some encouragement was found in the fact 
that the Chinese were listening attentively to the preached 
gospel, and eagerly reading the tracts distributed, and that a 
few were inquiring after the way of life ; and in the next re- 
port (1850) occur the significant words, " During the year three 
Chinese have been baptized." At Shanghai, especially, things 
were beginning to wear an encouraging aspect. A large hall, 
situated on one of the best streets within the walls of the city, 
had been fitted up, in which every Lord's Day three difierent 
services were held, and four during the week. A pleasing pic- 
ture is also given by one of the missionaries when he says, as 
quoted in this report, "The Kong Shoo Dong (the hall just 
mentioned) looks well w^hen lighted up, and I am sure it would 
much encourage our brethren in America could they just peep 
in upon our meeting, and behold literally hundreds of heathen 
seated together and quietly listening to the preaching of the 
glorious gospel." It must be remembered, too, that this place 
of worship was in addition to the large and substantial chapel 
built by the funds collected by Mr. Shuck, and located near 
the great heathen temple of the city. 

It was also an encouraging fact that the missionaries at 
Shanghai had established a station a few miles in the interior, 
and had found the people cordial and apparently eager to hear 
the gospel. This was the more gratifying, inasmuch as it was 
the very first case in which any Protestant Board of missions 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JA-MES B. TAYLOE. 205 

in the world had held property and gained a permanent footing 
in the interior of China. It also indicated what might soon be 
done on a larger scale. 

Evidently, even in China, a beginning was making, and a 
few drops were telling of the showers which have since fallen, 
and the richer ones which are yet to gladden our hearts. 

Moreover, the Yoruba mission, not indeed without trials, yet 
with rich promise, had been inaugurated. 

[From his Diary.] 

August 3, 1846. Arrived home after a tedious and fatiguing journey. 
Found that my dear mother was much worse than she has been for some 
time. All my own beloved family well, thank the Lord ! 

4th. Went out to see my dear mother — found her very ill. Her mind 
was peaceful, though she said but little. She seems ready to commit 
herself to him in wliom she has trusted. She referred to the time of her 
baptism more than thirty-eight years ago. I believe she is only waiting 
for her dismission. Oh that I may be prepared to live more supremely 
to God ! 

7th. Was called before day to see my mother die. Though she could 
not see or speak, she knew my voice, and indicated by indistinct articu- 
lation and by the motion of her hands that she understood what I said. 
She seemed to suffer much, but the struggle with the monster death was 
soon over. She rests in the arms of Jesus. 

8th. Followed the remains of my dear mother to the dark, cold grave, 
and yet so assured was I that she lives in the presence of Jesus, and so 
distinctly could my mind behold her among the glorified there, that I 
could scarcely realize the fact of the committal of the body to the earth. 
May this event be sanctified to my good ! 

October 16th. Met with the North Carolina Baptist Convention. 
Preached from Psalm cxix. 160, " Thy word is true," etc., the Bible ser- 
mon, by request of the Society. 

17th. This has been an interesting day to me. Delivered addresses on 
foreign missions and Sunday-school efibrts. Brother Yates, expecting 
soon to sail for China, delivered an address. North Carolina is awaking 
from her slumbers. 

18th. Preached with much freedom. In the afternoon heard Brother 
Eichard Furman ; at night attended the ordination of Brother Yates — 
delivered the charge ; an interesting service. 

24th. Preached the funeral of Mr. of county. How un- 
wise to postpone concern for the future world until a dying hour 1 This 
friend was restless and wretched in view of the world to come. 
18 



206 LIFE AND TIMES OP JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

November 6th. Left home for the South, the rain falling in torrents. 
To be so often absent from home is truly a cross, but as a Christian, and 
especially as a minister, it becomes me to discharge duty at ever so great 
a sacrifice. 

29th, Mobile. Preached three times to-day, and took collection for for- 
eign missions. 

30th. Spent most of the day in making collections ; an hour also in 
adjusting a difficulty. By the help of the Lord, succeeded. 

December 3d. Left Montgomery quite early in the stage for Talladega, 
in company with a soldier. Learned much respecting the exposure and 
sufierings of the army in the Mexican war. 

4th. Spent the preceding night, until just before day, in the stage, 
passing over a rough road. Much exhausted. Stopped at Weokaville. 

5th. Rode over to the house of Brother O. Welsh. Accompanied him 
to a funeral ; spoke at the grave. Everywhere men die. The judgment 
hastens. O Lord, prepare me for its scenes by a life of faith and devo- 
tion ! 

12th. Reached Barnwell, South Carolina. Found the South Carolina 
Convention in session. 

18th. Reached home. Thankful am I to my heavenly Father for his 
preserving care to me and mine. He is good to me. This day engaged 
from morning until night in preparing instructions for the missionaries. 
The designation of Brethren Shuck, Tobey, Yates, and James took place 
at the First Church at night. The services truly interesting. 



[Letter to his "Wife.] 

Rodney, Miss., Nov. 24, 1846. 

Though eleven hundred miles from you, my thoughts are ever and 
anon directed homeward, and while I cannot enjoy the society of her I 
love, it is a satisfaction to indulge a remembrance, to be united in strong 
feeling, and to find that feeling more excited by separation. 

Having reached the terminus of my journey, I am now retracing my 
steps. The Mississippi Convention met at Fellowship, ten miles from 
this town. It was a pleasant meeting. Brethren Hinton, Hoi man, 
Lindsley, and myself have just taken the steamboat on our way to New 
Orleans. On our way from meeting last evening we were overtaken by 
one of the heaviest rains I recollect ever to have seen. The water de- 
scended in sluices, accompanied with wind, and almost all the company 
were wet thoroughly. Brother Holman and I, being in a covered buggy 
and holding an umbrella in front, somewhat escaped, though we were 
not by any means in comfortable circumstances. We have just heard of 
the collision of two boats (the Sultana and Maria) just below, which re- 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 207 

suited in the total loss of the latter, some forty or fifty persons being 
killed. I mention it, lest you should hear of it and be uneasy. 

I met with Brother Micou at the meeting, and other friends who 
seemed delighted to give me the hand of welcome. Yesterday, when it 
was announced that Brother Holman and I must leave, it was proposed to 
sing " Blest be the tie that binds," and to give us the hand of farewell. 
It was a melting season. We had also at Sister McGill's this morning 
an affecting time, many of the disciples of Jesus being present 

[To his Wife.] 

Steamboat Gladiator, Nov. 8, 1846. 

.... In some respects it has been a peculiar cross to be away from 
home at this time. My dear children having just put on Christ in bap- 
tism, it would have been gratifying to me to be a while with the family ; 
and besides, the interesting meetings in progress had engrossed my heart, 
and I found it painful to break away. I hope, however, they will con- 
tinue until I return, and with increasing power. It will be important to 
keep them up even after Brother Fuller leaves. Many, I trust, are yet 
to step in while the waters are troubled, and to rejoice in their healing 
efficacy. 

While I am away I hope you will keep up family worship as usual. 
Remember me, as I know you will, at a throne of grace. It is a pleasing 
thought that instead of one there will be several to think of me in prayer. 
I know that God hears the supplications of his people, and that he will 
answer. While you think of me personally, remember the cause I plead. 
God pleases to use means in the accomplishment of his grand designs, 
and I wish to leave no agencies unemployed ; but, after all, these instru- 
mentalities will be utterly ineffectual without the divine presence and 
blessing. Pray that God would guide his servants in all their plans, and 
make them successful to his name's praise. 

I shall not forget you. Every day will I seek God on your behalf. 
This morning, while I was kneeling before him, I thought of you at the 
Sunday-school, and besought him to bless you. I hope that you will 
have grace to serve the Lord acceptably, and that a humble trust in his 
faithfulness and mercy will be continually exercised. The children, 
who have become, as I trust, members of God's family, will now relieve 
you of something of the care and labor incident to your position 

Early in 1847 we find him at the North to secure passage 
to China for Messrs. Shuck, Tobey, James, and Yates and 
their families. He was subjected to the most annoying delays 
and disappointments, being detained on this business nearly 
six weeks in New York and Boston. 



208 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

[To his Wife.] 

Boston, February 20, 1847. 

. . . , By invitation several times repeated, and very cordially, I 
went out with Mr. Peck to Andover last night amid a heavy storm, and 
arrived at dusk. His wife is a charming lady, a Congregational ist, and 
the daughter of Mr. Farrar, who has been Treasurer of the Theological 
Institution for forty years. Mr. Peck keeps house, and the old people 
board with him. I spent a pleasant evening, receiving much valuable 
information and interchanging thought with the family. Mrs. Peck is a 
great-granddaughter of Jonathan Edwards. This morning I shaved by 
candlelight, and was down to family worship at half-past six o'clock. 
After breakfast I walked through the snow to look at the town and the 
institution buildings, rendered so sacred as the spot where hundreds of 
the best men of our land have received their theological training. Here 
Judson and Rice passed through their course of study. Here nearly one 
hundred missionaries have been prepared for their work. I passed 
through the principal building, the library, etc., etc. There are fifteen 
thousand books in the library. At nine o'clock I left Andover, and 
upon reaching the city met A. He proposed to walk over to the new 
house of the Federal Street Church. It is a magnificent building for the 
cost and compared with most houses of worship belonging to the Baptists. 
It is pure Gothic, with painted windows, and will doubtless attract many 
of the higher order of society. But I am inclined to think if your good 
dear mother could arise from her tomb and speak, she would say that 
such a building was not altogether in keeping with the simplicity of 
primitive times, and but little suited to create in the bosom of its occu- 
pants that devotional spirit which is alone acceptable to God. I cannot 
myself but consider the tendency of things in many respects, even among 
Baptists, as toward antichristian Rome, especially in the external 
grandeur of houses of worship and the forms of religious service. I even 
prefer the comfortless log houses of some of our backwoods, and the com- 
paratively inharmonious songs of thanksgiving we sometimes hear in the 
country, because I believe there is more of that sincerity and humility 
which is pleasing in the sight of our heavenly Father 

This morning I have had much reflection on the great work in which 
I am engaged as a leader of our churches in the South, and tremble at 
the responsibility of my position. I am ready to say, Who is sufficient 
for these things? The work is great. Millions of human beings are 
without the gospel ; the means are in the hands of the churches, and 
these means are to be made available. The work is to me a pleasant 
one, and yet I constantly feel that the chief difficulties I have to sur- 
mount are to be found in my own heart. I need a more elevated piety, 
more simple-hearted love to him who came to save men, and am ready 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 209 

to plead with the Lord to increase the fervor of my devotion and to in- 
crease my qualifications for the great ofiice I am required to fill. He 
will, I humbly trust, give me a heart to labor in a right way and in 

proper spirit 

[From his Diary.] 

1847, February 8th. Left in the steamer for Boston. Passed in the 
night near the spot where the Atlantic was wrecked. Here my esteemed 
friend Dr. Armstrong* found his passage to heaven. There he doubtless 
rests from his labors. May I always be ready ! Lord Jesus, be thou my 
portion and my Saviour ! Thou art my only hope ; make me wholly 
thine. 

9th. This morning arrived at Boston at five o'clock in safety. The 
Lord kindly permitted a pleasant passage through the Sound. I wish his 
guidance in the important question of a passage for our missionaries. He 
alone can lead safely to proper conclusions. May his presence and bless- 
ing be enjoyed while I am here, that I may effectually glorify him ! 

10th. Still in suspense in regard to a passage for our missionaries. I 
find myself in an untried position, and one which requires no little wis- 
dom to fill. If I am not in the enjoyment of a direction from above, I 
cannot succeed. 

13th. To-day engaged the passage of our missionaries in the Ashbur- 
ton, to sail on the 25th. 

14th, Sunday. Preached at Wenham at eleven and at half-past one 
o'clock, the pastor, Mr. Keeley, absent. Returned to Beverly and heard 
Mr, Samson preach. Made four visits, conversed with several on the 
subject of religion, and prayed with three families. Pleasant day to me. 

15th. Returned to Boston quite unwell. Found several letters to an- 
swer. Endeavor to improve my time profitably, but long to be at home. 

21st. Preached at Beverly and Salem. Heavy snow-storm. 

27th. In a heavy rain went to the depot to receive our missionaries, 
who left New York this morning. Waited until eleven o'clock p. m., 
but they came not. Returned home wet and weary. 

28th. Preached at Bowdoin Square and at Mr. Hague's church. Un- 
well all day, suffering with hoarseness and from the effects of a piece of 
ice falling upoji my head from a six-story building. 

March 1st. Still unwell. The missionaries arrived yesterday morning, 
having been detained by the storm on the Sound. Mrs. Yates is very 
sick, and may be detained in this country a while.f 

11th. The Ashburton sailed this day; wind fair. A crowd upon the 

* Rev. W. J. Armstrong, D.D., Corresponding Secretary of American Board 
of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. 

f Mr. and Mrs. Yates were compelled to defer their embarkation for several 
months. 

18 » 



210 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

wharf witnessing the departure. May this precious freight be borne 
safely on, and he who holds the winds in his fist permit his servants to 
pass to the field of their labor, and long may they live to proclaim Christ, 
and him crucified, to the perishing heathen I Left Boston in the after- 
noon, 

15th. Arrived at home. Thanks to my heavenly Father ! found all 
well. I have been for weeks emphatically a pilgrim, and the delights 
of the family circle I more than ever know how to prize. God has been 
my Defender, and now permits me to see those dearly-loved ones from 
whom I have been so long sundered. May I be renewedly devoted to 
him ! 

June 23d. A young minister, the son of an aged pastor, having entered 
the pulpit after completing his studies in a self-confident spirit, found 
himself embarrassed, and was compelled to stop before he had gone 
through one-third of his sermon. Mortified and humble, he came from 
the pulpit bathed in tears. His father, looking him in the face, said, 
" My son, if you had gone up as you came down, you would have come 
down as you went up." 

July 28th. Two difiicult things : 1. To speak of one's self without 
vanity ; 2. To speak of others without slander. 

[To his Wife.] 

Hernando, Miss., November 11, 1847. 

.... While at Memphis, Brother Holman and I remained at the 
house of Brother Gayle, and were very kindly treated by the family. I 
knew Sister G. when I was a boy. She says she heard my first sermon. 
It was to me pleasant to be with this family. We came here yesterday. 
As soon as I arrived, the brethren insisted that I should preach the in- 
troductory sermon in place of our dear Brother Hinton. It was to me 
an aflTecting consideration that when we parted, having attended this very 
Convention, he was vigorous and gave promise of long life, and now he 
is in his grave ! I have just returned from the meeting, having preached 
the sermon from the words, "The field is the world." Some enjoyment 
was found in the presentation of the subject. We are likely to have a 
good attendance, though it is raining and quite cold. 

I mentioned in my last that I had seen Brother Witt.* Brother Hol- 
man and I succeeded in procuring a passage for him and his family on 
board a fine steamboat. We saw them safely on the boat. They were 
very comfortable. The whole family, ten in number, with three horses 
and two carriages, were taken for twenty-five dollars 

The region in which this meeting is held was but a short time since 
almost wholly unsettled. The town of Hernando contains eight hundred 

* Bev. Jesse Witt. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 211 

inhabitants, and yet nine years ago it was a wilderness. Brother Docb- 
ery, with whom I am staying, says that deer and wolves have been re- 
cently killed near his house. The whole of this is a splendid country. 
The primeval forests, in all their majesty, are here for miles to be seen. 
Trees of immense size cover the earth. But these forests are fast yield- 
ing to the advance of immigration. Settlers are coming in, and immense 
fields of cotton appear where but a year or two since few families or none 
were ever to be found. 

I hope soon to be retracing my steps. The farthest point on my jour- 
ney is now reached. The next meeting to be attended is the Alabama 
Convention. Happy shall I be once more to reach my family and home! 
It is to me a painful privation to be so long detained from those scenes 
which are more than any others endeared to my heart. I think I know 
how to prize in a higher manner than ever those happy relationships 
which exist in the domestic circle. My wife and children are more 
than ever loved. Toward the city of our abode, where are to be found 
so many dear friends, my thoughts and desires are continually tending. 
The same class of feelings I would also cherish in reference to my eternal 
home. How many loved ones have passed into the skies ! What blessed 
relationships now bind me to the heavenly world ! . . . . 

[To his Wife.] 

Greensboro', Ala., November 15, 1847. 

If variety be the spice of life, then has mine for several days past 
been well seasoned. As I know not how I can better interest you than 
by a reference to my journey to this place, you shall have the principal 
incidents as they occurred. 

When I last wrote you the meeting of the Mississippi Convention 
was in progress. It was up to the time we left an interesting occasion. 
All the various objects of Christian benevolence were brought up and 
considered, and the collections were liberal. About eight hundred 
dollars were received by me for foreign missions. It was quite a pleas- 
ure to meet Brother Legrand W. Wilson and several of his family. 
His brother's daughter, who was a little child and has sat upon my 
knee many a time when I resided at " Poplar Vale," in Dinwiddle 
county, is now living at Hernando, and has a family of five children. 
I took dinner with them, and was exceedingly pleased with the inter- 
view. 

On Monday morning, after breakfast. Brother Holman, Brother 
Haynes, and I started from Hernando, that we might meet the Ala- 
bama Convention. We had a buggy and a Jersey wagon, traveling 
over a rugged road, and expecting to reach Holly Springs before night. 
After traveling twenty miles, in going down a steep hill, the little 



212 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

wagon lost one of its wheels. There we were in the midst of the 
wilderness with no axe, hammer, or even a piece of rope, with which 
to repair our vehicle. What were we to do? Some suggested one 
thing and some another. At length it was determined that a tree must 
be cut down, and yet we had nothing but a jack-knife with which to 
effect it. At length Brother Holman climbed up to the top of a small 
tree, and taking hold of the upper branch, he threw himself off, thus 
bending it to the ground ; the rest then caught hold, and one with the 
knife began to whittle at the lower end. After much effort it was cut 
off, all the limbs were cut, and we took it on our shoulders, put it under 
the wagon, raised the wheel, and hoped by taking hold that the wheel 
would last until we reached the next house, but the wheel would come 
off. Then Brethren Holman and Haynes took the buggy and drove onr 
to find a blacksmith, leaving me with the two boys to take care of the 
trunks. I determined still to get on if possible, so I called the boys to 
my help, and we tied up one side of the wheel with a hickory withe, 
and putting one end of the small tree under the wagon and the other 
on my shoulder, I told the boy to drive on. Thus we passed on, pre- 
venting the wheel, locked as it was, from dragging the ground. Just 
before we reached the house we met Mr. Haynes coming with a fence- 
rail on his shoulder and an axe in his hand. Mr. Holman had gone on 
foot about a mile and a half to secure. a blacksmith and another vehicle. 
We waited at the house until nearly sundown before Mr. Holman re- 
turned with a small Jersey wagon. There was not room, however, for 
five of us and our trunks in the two conveyances, so that by turns one 
was to walk. We reached Holly Springs between eight and nine 

o'clock, quite weary After a few broken slumbers we were 

roused at four o'clock to start in the stage. It was a cold, frosty morn- 
ing, and our road was rough, but a cup of coffee, not the very best, a 
little after sunrise, made us forget all. Finding that we were to be out 
in a miserable two-horse stage for two more nights, we concluded to 
secure some other conveyance, and after some difficulty found a large 
Jersey wagon to bring us on to Greensboro', eighty miles, for thirty -five 
dollars. It was well we adopted this course, for shortly after we started 
it began to rain and continued for twenty-four hours 

[To his Wife.] 

FoRSYTHE, December 1, 1847. 
.... It may not be uninteresting to hear of my progress to this 
place. Leaving Greensboro' on Wednesday last, I came on to Marion. 
The Convention did not adjourn until about midnight, and I was up 
before day, so that when the vilbge was reached, about one o'clock, I 
was very weary. It was necessary to see a number of persons in refer- 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 213 

ence to the mission, and about ten o'clock at night I rode out three 
miles to General King's, to be ready for the stage. All had retired to 
rest. Cold and tired, I threw myself upon the bed and slept soundly. 
The next morning, before day, I was up, shaved by moonlight, and had 
just finished when the stage drove up. It was about to leave me, and 
in my hurry to pack up I left my watch — a thing I had never before 
done — and did not miss it until several miles had been passed. Al- 
though I have not the trouble of winding it up and taking care of it, 
yet I should like to obtain it again. Traveling all that day, I found it 
very cold, and arriving at Selma, I bought a blanket. It was well I 
did, for I was alone the whole night in an open stage, reaching Mont- 
gomery about daylight. After a hasty breakfast I took the cars for 
Auburn, about sixty miles. Arriving at that place at twelve o'clock, 
I took an outside seat on the stage again, and rode until midnight. It 
was a cold, bleak night, snowing several times, and so benumbed was 
I at times that I was almost without feeling. I stopped at La Grange, 
and having warmed went to bed, but was so cold that I slept but little. 
After breakfast I went to Brother Dawson's, the pastor of the church, 
and to my great joy found Brother Mallary there. My hands were so 
sore that J could not with comfort write the whole day. On the next 
day (Sunday) Brother M. preached in the morning, and in the after- 
noon I preached to the colored people, and at night to the white con- 
gregation. About midnight I was to take my place again on the stage, 
but it was full, and I was compelled to wait until the next. 

[To his Wife.] 

Augusta, December 9, 1847. 

.... Thank you' for the copy of Mr. Peck's letter. He is a good 
man, and his sympathy, I know, is sincere, as it is highly prized. The 
letters from our missionaries are afflictive in their character. They 
must have passed an unpleasant time on board the Ashburton, as I 
feared they would. In the captain I am disappointed. He appeared 
to be an amiable, gentlemanly man. Mr. is, as I supposed, pos- 
sessed of a hard soul. I should hardly think my life safe in the hands 
of such a being if a few dollars were at stake. You may be sure I 
cannot but feel solicitous in regard to the future, both as it respects the 
health of the missionaries and their exertions upon the field of labor. 
As Brother Peck suggests, I am expecting in some respects to pass 
through a painful discipline, but it will all be right, and in the result 
will appear to have been necessary. If I can only be kept in a right 
spirit and pursue a right course, all will be well, and upon God I am 
dependent for grace to guide these affairs with discretion. So far as 
I had any thing to do with the Ashburton, my conscience is at ease, 
and none, I am sure, could blame me or the Board 



214 LIFE AN'D TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

[To his Wife.] 

Blacksville, December 11, 1847. 

.... My mind is not a little relieved to learn of the safe arrival 
of all the missionaries, and the improvement of Brother Pearcy's 
health. I could not but fear that the next news would apprise us of 
his death, the allusions to him having been of a gloomy character. If 
it please the Lord to spare him, it will be an occasion of devout thanks- 
giving. I regard him and his wife as eminently adapted to the work 
upon which they have entered. Brother Clopton's death is a heavy 
blow to the mission, but it is all right. God intends it, I trust, for 
some valuable end ; indeed, there is but little doubt of it 

You refer to your experience in spiritual things ; I can sympathize 
with you. My own heart I find to be impure and callous, and feel my 
pressing need of the blood of atonement to cleanse me from sin. Earn- 
estly do I at times thirst after God, and then again the world and its 
vanities obtain an influence. I can only cast myself upon the fullness 
of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. To him 
would I look. Let us both look to him. He can help, he can save, and 
his readiness to help and save is equal to his power. 

Last night I preached from the words, " He that believeth on the Son 
hath everlasting life." It was to me a pleasant season. It was to a large 
colored congregation. The house is their own — an excellent building, 
about ninety feet long, with galleries all around, and good pews, painted 
and finished in good style. They have more than one thousand mem- 
bers, and stand well in the community. Recently they have lost their 
pastor, a venerable colored man, highly loved by all classes, both white 
and black. His remains lie buried in the yard of the church, having 
over them a beautiful and large marble monument, placed there by the 
citizens of Augusta. He is succeeded in the pastorate by another colored 
man. You would have been delighted and affected to have seen the im- 
mense congregation listen to the word with eager attention, and then, 
Avhen prayer was proposed by Brother Brantly, to see so many coming 
forward, with tears rolling down their cheeks, requesting to be remem- 
bered. Before we closed I told them if any wished to contribute to the 
African mission they might place their money on the table, when about 
seventeen dollars were given. It was one of the most pleasant times I 
have enjoyed. 

[From his Diary.] 

1848, September 25th. A committee of Fourth Church, Richmond, 
called with a unanimous request from that body that I would give them 
all the time possible in consistency with my obligations to the Board. 
This church I desire to see rising from its low condition and being blessed 
of the Lord. But what can I do ? Lord, direct, oh direct me I 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 215 

26th. Preached at Fourth Church, Eichmond.* This afternoon a 
committee of the Third Church of this city came to announce the decision 
of that body, inviting me to the pastorate. My mind is perplexed. Ought 
I to resign my place in the Board ? It seems at present unadvisable. 
Can I give the church due attention and yet retain my position ? I 
fear not. 

27th. What shall I do in reference to the call of the churches in this 
city ? I desire to do right. If I can find the path of duty, it is my wish 
to pursue it. Oh for divine guidance ! Jesus Christ I would serve, him 
would I obey. If he will take me by the hand, gladly will I follow. 
Blessed Saviour, lead me ! 

29th. Having decided that I ought not to leave the secretaryship, and 
finding that many of my judicious brethren think the responsibility 
of serving both the Board and the church would be too heavy, I believe 
I ought to give a negative answer to the call of the Third Church. 

October 4th. Left for New York to superintend the embarkation of 
Brother Whilden and family. Traveled the entire day and night. 

5th. Arrived at New York about twelve o'clock. Saw Brother Whil- 
den, and commenced to arrange for his departure. Prayer-meeting at 
Brother Cone's church at night; the season pleasant and impressive. 

6th. Continued eflTorts to arrange for the departure of the missionaries. 

7th. To-day selecting books and writing letters on behalf of China 
mission. 

8th. Preached from 2 Cor. xi. 23-28 at Tabernacle Church. At night 
engaged in missionary meeting, at which Brother Whilden and I ad- 
dressed the congregation. Afternoon, heard Brother Whilden preach 
an excellent sermon. 

9th. Busy all the morning arranging for the departure of missionaries. 
United with Mr. Lowrie, Secretary of the Presbyterian Board, and other 
ministers, in religious services on board the Valparaiso. Brother Whil- 
den and wife, with five other missionaries, sailed about two o'clock p. M. 

10th. Writing all day to China, letters to be sent by overland mail. 

[To his Wife.] 

Baltimore, September 5, 1848. 
.... Lest you should hear exaggerated accounts of the accident on 
yesterday, I concluded to drop you a line this morning. Just before we 
reached the city the train ran over a cow. The locomotive and baggage- 

- For months after he preached for this church whenever his engagements 
allowed. Subsequently the interest here became the Leigh Street Church, now 
BO flourishing and eflBcient a body. For several months also he, in connection 
with Eev. R. Ryland, supplied the pulpit of the First Baptist Church while 
they had no pastor. 



216 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

cars passed on without being thrown off; the next car, full of passengers, 
was thrown violently over, and was only prevented from going down 
quite a declivity by the telegraph-posts. The wheels of the first car re- 
mained on the track, and the second car passing over them, the whole 
floor was broken in, producing a wreck of the car. This also was full of 
passengers. The third and fourth cars came in collision with the first 
car which was thrown off, tearing away the windows and upright posts 
from one end to the other. The last car was also injured. The fright of 
the passengers was great. Nothing but screams for a few minutes were 
to be heard. Not a life, however, was lost nor a limb broken, though 
many were much bruised. It was a most remarkable escape from death. 
We all felt it to be so on leaving the cars and beholding the general 
wreck. The passengers in the car which was turned over could not be 
taken out for some time. We had more than two hundred persons with 
us, and, strange indeed, all were preserved. An almighty Arm pro- 
tected us. I find myself called upon to praise anew my gracious De- 
liverer 

[To the Same.] 

MoNTGOMERT, Alabama, November 19, 1848. 
.... We have here a beautiful bright morning, but very cold. It 
must be more so in Richmond. You will, I trust, enjoy the influence of 
the beams of the Son of Bighteousness to-day, warming and cheering 
your heart. With me it is pleasant to contemplate the love of God in 
Christ, and while away from those I regard above all others on earth my 
chief joy is found in the hope that I may, in some little measure, con- 
tribute to the glory of his name. His kingdom must spread and become 
universally prevalent. May I but be the means of advancing that king- 
dom, I shall be satisfied to suffer and labor. And yet how little have 
my zeal and conscientious devotion to his cause corresponded with his 
great compassion and sacrifice on my behalf ! 

" "What have I done for him who died 
To save my wretched soul?" 

[Extracts from Diary.] 

1849, December 31st. During the year 1849 have delivered one hun- 
dred and forty-one sermons, besides addresses on missions and other objects 
connected with the spread of the Redeemer's kingdom. In view of all, 
though I have aimed to please and honor him, so much imperfection 
appears that I have only reason to be ashamed, beg forgiveness, and to 
look to his cleansing blood for acceptance. If spared through another 
year, I pray for wisdom and grace to serve him more faithfully. Lord, 
help I 



\ LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 217 

1850, January 2d. Numerous letters received to-day from Africa. The 
missions in an encouraging state. God is blessing the labors of our mis- 
sionaries ; his name be praised. When shall the true light shine all over 
that land, so long desolated and cursed ? On its behalf God will arise. 
Many will go forth to preach the pure word there, and thousands will 
rejoice in it. 

4th. Until after eleven o'clock at night engaged in a committee on the 
African mission, being the second night this week spent on the same 
business. The responsibility involved in these operations is of the most 
serious nature. Wisdom from above is needed. Without this the best 
concerted plans will be foolish and abortive. 

23d. Left for Norfolk. Saw several emigrants on their way to Liberia. 
Gave to them advice in reference to their future course. Found a home 
for them upon their arrival at Norfolk. Heard Brother Tiberius Jones 
preach, and afterward addressed the congregation on the subject of mis- 
sions. 

24th. Busy all day until eleven o'clock P. M. in preparing for the ship- 
ment of packages for our schools on the coast of Africa. The packet will 
leave on Saturday. Had profitable conversation with a Christian circle 
on spiritual topics. Saw and advised with the Liberia emigrants. 

February 1st. At twilight visited a sick brother, conversed and prayed 
with him ; also a young lady who professes to be born of God. After 
this attended a meeting of the Temperance Board. 

17th, Sunday. Preached at Penitentiary, nine o'clock ; First Church at 
eleven A. M., a funeral at half-past two P. M. ; Fourth Church, four p. m. 
Administered communion at Fourth Church. Attended First Church at 
night. Heard Mr. Bonhome preach, and Chun, a converted Chinese, 
make a few remarks. Visited two families. 

18th. I cannot but hope that the convicts addressed yesterday will be 
benefited. They listened with earnest attention, and in some instances 
with feeling. God of grace, restore these outcasts. Make them the 
trophies of thy recovering mercy. Thou canst save them. 

April 7tli. Preached at First Church, Penitentiary, Fourth Church , 
also the funeral of Mr. F.'s child. Attended concert of prayer at First 
Church at night. 
19 



CHAPTER XI. 

TN the summer of 1850, Mr. Taylor became the subject of an 
-■- illness remarkable for its severity and duration, and inter- 
esting as the occasion of the mental exercises through which 
he was called to pass. It was nearly a year from his first 
attack till his complete recovery, though within that period 
much labor was performed by him. Indeed, his eagerness to 
be at his work probably caused the frequent relapses which he 
sufiered. For a considerable period his life was utterly de- 
spaired of, and on one memorable morning his children were 
summoned from Sabbath-school to see him die. He had been 
so recently a pastor of two churches in the city, and so identi- 
fied with the others, that the prospect of his death produced 
even a profounder local impression than did the same cause 
produce twenty-one years later. The entire community w^as 
deeply affected, and prayer was made to God continually, there 
and elsew'here, that God would spare his valuable life. He 
himself ahvays believed that it was in answer to prayer that 
his days were lengthened, as in the case of Hezekiah — that he 
was truly prayed back again to life from the very verge of the 
grave and the spirit-land. He ever after referred to that sick- 
ness as one of the great eras of his life. He never did entirely 
recover from its effects. Not only was one of his hands par- 
tially paralyzed, but he never was quite as strong or possessed 
of as much elasticity as before. His family physician so 
thought, and said on the day of his death that he never had 
been perfectly well since his illness in 1850. But whatever he 
may have lost in vigor was no doubt quite made up to him in 
increased mellowness of soul. 

During this period he would frequently compose lines ex- 

218 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 219 

pressive of his own feelings. Some of these effusions will be 
inserted, as illustrating his character and his state of mind at 
this time. Many of his remarks were also taken down as they 
fell from his lips, some of them being made in conversation 
and others in the form of soliloquy. Once he said feelingly, 
" God is good. But for God's goodness what a dark world 
would this be ! How gloomy and hopeless life ! It is God's 
goodness which makes every joy sweet and corrects every evil. 
His goodness angels love to contemplate. It is that which 
makes heaven happy. Oh that I may praise it in that world 
where I may better understand and feel it !" 

Looking from his bed out upon the sky and the trees, he 
admired their beauty, and said that they reflected the goodness 
of their Creator. He said he was very happy — that the leaves 
on the trees were numerous, but the mercies of God were far 
more numerous. When friends would call, if able to talk, he 
would bear testimony to the goodness of God and the blessed- 
ness of trusting him ; and if they were unconverted he would 
urge them to love and serve him. Indeed, much of the time 
his soul seemed filled with a sense of the goodness of God and 
the grace of the Redeemer. 

[From Ws Diary,] 

October 25th. Quite well in the morning. Excited during the day com- 
posing lines for J.'s birthday ; felt very feeble in consequence. 

December 1st. Went to Bruington. Heard Brother Bagby from 
Romans v. 14: "Who is the figure of him that was to come;" an ex- 
cellent sermon. Spoke about five minutes myself. It was to me a 
heavenly season, it being the second time I have been to the Lord's 
house since my sickness. It was a rich privilege. 

2d. Quite sick ; did not sit up an hour all day. How frail I am, a 
worm " crushed before the moth." But the living God is my portion ; 
heaven is my home. I need not repine. I cannot, will not fear. 

3d. Though almost prostrated, I am relieved from pain, and my sys- 
tem is brought back to its proper balance. Lord, transform me more 
and more into thy image. May every shock this mortal tenement re- 
ceives endear to me the more the building prepared on high ! 

11th. Board-meeting at my house. Wrote two or three letters. Am 
far from being well, as indicated by the prostration attendant upon the 



220 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

least mental or physical exercise. Patiently would I wait upon the 
Lord. His will be done ! 

13th. Still feeble. How long I shall remain in this condition no one 
can predict. Lord, help me to exercise becoming patience beneath thy 
mighty hand. Made one or two calls on Christian friends. 

14th. It is sometimes doubtful whether I shall be competent to con- 
tinue the laborious services of my present position as Secretary of the 
Board. I wish only to know the Lord's will. May I not be suffered to 
mistake ! Called at Brother Wortham's. 

25th. While the younger children are enjoying the holiday season, it 
is unlike our usual Christmas. J. is away, F. confined to the bed, my 
dear wife is almost worn out with toil, and I am scarcely fit for any 
social intercourse. But it is all right. 

29th. In the afternoon attended Third Church and heard Brother 
Gwatltney. Met with a number of the brethren and sisters, who gave 
the warm grasp of Christian affection, welcoming me to the privileges of 
God's house. 

30th. Am much prostrated this morning, feeling the effects of yester- 
day's excitement at meeting. 

31st. This has been an eventful year to me. Nearly six months I 
have been mostly laid aside by sickness. God has laid his hand upon 
me, and I have been brought low. Still he has been good — in a thousand 
forms has his goodness been revealed. Profitable do I hope this disci- 
pline will be. If I can be made a holier and more useful man, it will 
be indeed good that the afQiction has come upon me. May it be so I 
Lord, sanctify to me the trial through which I have passed. 

LINES COMPOSED ON HIS SICK BED. 

Jesus shall be my hope and joy, 

Though all the powers of earth annoy ; 

His name I plead before thy throne, , 

His blood and righteousness alone. 

My sins of crimson hue are seen. 
My heart corrupt, debased, and mean ; 
Upon me lay a fearful load 
Of guilt and wrath — the wrath of God. 

But Jesus came that load to take ; 
He meekly bore it for my sake ; 
For me he suffered, bled, and died, 
Then rose on high, the glorified. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 221 

For me on high he now appears, 
And now are quelled my guilty fears ; 
I see him there, my Brother, Friend, 
Whose love can show no change or end. 

For condescending love like this, 
For such salvation, hope, and bliss, 
Shall not this grateful heart accord 
Its every power to Christ the Lord? 

The sacrifice, though poor, I give ; 
For him I toil, to him I live ; 
And when life ends his praise I'll swell 
In heavenly worlds where angels dwell. 



LINES COMPOSED ON HIS SICK BED 

My soul, oppressed with grief, 

Before thy footstool lies ; 
When shall I find the sought relief? 

When wilt thou hear my cries ? 

My sin and folly, Lord, 

Have sundered thee from me ; 
Strangely have I forgot thy word, 

Strangely forgotten thee. 

But wilt thou not forgive, 

And give me joy and peace ? 
For Jesus' sake may I not live. 

And find from guilt release ? 

Before the throne appears 

My Advocate and Friend ; 
My sins I mourn with bitter tears ; 

Lord, now deliverance send. 

My soul, oppressed with grief, 

Before thy footstool lies ; 
When shall I find the sought relief? 

When wilt thou hear my cries? 

The following lines were written by him at an earlier period 
for a square upon an album bed-quilt : 

19* 



222 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

Patriots have tolled and heroes bled 

To Bhine on Fame's historic page — 
To live, though mingled with the dead, 

In memory to the latest age. 

Without expense of blood or toil 

My name shall be remembered too, 
Written in lines which none will soil — 

In patchwork fine of varied hue. 

Still, this from dark Oblivion's shade 

Will not secure my deeds or name ; 
All earthly glory soon shall fade, 

All names be lost to earthly fame. 

Then let my soul with ardor strong 
Look far beyond this scene of strife. 

Ambitious most to shine among 
The heirs of everlasting life. 

[Letter to William Crane.*] 

I write from my arm-chair, wrapped up, feeble as an infant, a poor 
worm, liable to be crushed by any trifle, but happy, happy in the Lord. 
I cannot write you now, but I may be able to tell you some day hence 
what are and have been my feelings for twenty days. I have read during 
my sickness from the beginning of Acts to the end of Revelation, with a 
relish never before known. Three months I have kept my room, mostly 
in bed, one month in perfect unconsciousness, knowing nothing; but I 
am now walking on a crutch, supported on the other side by a chair. 
But I am happy. God, all thought, was about to take me, but here I am 
still, I know not why. The Lord's will be done ! I only hope I may be 
a holier man and more useful. The gospel has been my stay ; I lean 
upon it. Jesus, the foundation of hope, is precious beyond expression. 

But I must stop. Remember me to Drs. Fuller, Wilson, Adams, and 
all friends, especially of the cause of missions, and to Sister C. Adieu. 
My soul is bound to you as David's was to Jonathan's. 

When does the Liberia packet sail ? Poor Africa ! But she will see 
the salvation of the Lord. I wish to work for her good. 

[To his Wife.] 

Mecklenburg, January 20, 1851. 
.... My hand is yet swollen and useless. I find it quite a task to 

* This is from Mr. C.'s copy, with this endorsement in Mr. C.'s hand ; 
'' Copy of a very illegible letter from Brother Taylor, as he was recovering 
from a most dangerous illness in the fall of 1850." 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 223 

write, and sometimes fear it will not be in my power to confine myself 
to the writing-table as I have done. I wish, however, to be passive in 
the hands of ray heavenly Father, and to do whatever he may require at 
my hands. The mission cause lies near my heart, and I would joyfully 
consecrate my energies to this great object ; but the Lord knows best, and 
I await the indications of Providence to determine the path of duty. . . . 
The following lines were composed as I was riding along the other 
morning, as expressive of my feelings at the time : 

Lord, thy grace to me impart, 
Illume my mind and cleanse my heart, 
From every error set me free. 
And help me live alone to thee. 

Thou art my Sovereign, good and wise ; 
Thee would I love, thy favor prize j 
Each of thy laws would I fulfill, 
And suffer all thy holy will. 

To spread the glory of thy name 
Shall be my cheerful, constant aim. 
Nor would I cease the loved employ 
Till all the race thy smile enjoy. 



CHAPTER XII. 

MR. TAYLOR'S health being at last restored, he applied 
himself anew to the duties of his office, and until the war, 
a period of ten years, labored, with occasional interruption from 
sickness and with more manifest signs of success, both in de- 
veloping the missionary spirit at home and in the missions 
themselves. During most of this period Rev. A. M. Poindex- 
ter was associated with him in the secretaryship. It was a 
great relief to him to have such a coadjutor, and together they 
labored, drawn into even a closer union of heart by their com- 
mon solicitude and effi)rt for the same great cause. In a life 
so uncheckered there are of necessity few salient points which 
a biographer can present. His days were spent, for the most 
part, at the mission-room in the duties of correspondence and 
editing ; for an hour in the afternoon he would refresh himself 
by labors in his garden ; the evenings were generally given to 
Board or committee meetings, or to the w^eekly service of his 
church ; and the few which were not so employed were occu- 
pied in working upon his " History of Virginia Baptists " and 
his second series of " Lives of Virginia Baptist Ministers." His 
Sabbaths were spent at Taylorsville, or in preaching at some 
destitute point in or near Richmond, or in visiting, in behalf 
of the Board, some accessible church. This home-work was 
varied by long Southern and Western tours, or by journeys to 
the Korth, generally Avith reference to the departure of mis- 
sionaries. 

On one or two occasions, by special arrangement with the 
Board, he for a short period partially suspended his official 
labors in order to proceed with his "History" and his " Lives." 
The latter was published just before war, in two octavo vol- 

224 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 225 

umes of five hundred pages each, the first being a revised edi- 
tion of the original work, the latter consisting of sketches of 
ministers who had died after the first was issued. Owing to 
the unfavorable period of its publication, this work did not 
enjoy the circulation it would otherwise have done. 

In 1856 he received the degree of doctor of divinity from 
Columbian College. His literary labors and general standing 
as a Christian minister entitled him to it, as it is now given, 
while it was specially appropriate that the biographer of 
Luther Rice should be thus honored by the institution with 
which Rice was so identified. But he was constrained to 
decline the honor, on the general ground that it was, in his 
judgment, contrary to the genius of the gospel, if not to the 
teachings of the Saviour, that such distinctions should be 
made among ministers. His declinature, however, was vain. 
The suffrage of the community was that, if any were to be 
called " Doctor," one so full of labors, so venerable, and withal 
so humble and unassuming, must not go untitled. But his 
own views upon the subject never changed. 

In this chapter we see him once more, and for the last time, 
as a son — now w^atching at his father's deathbed, bearing him 
to the tomb, and paying a tribute to his memory. A more 
dutiful and devoted son than he never lived. 

Several letters will also be introduced, showing how he 
followed his sons as they grew up and entered upon life's duties 
— followed them with his wise counsels and tender sympathy. 

[To one of his Sons.] 

RiCHjroxD, July 24, 1851. 
.... You seem to have entered upon the duties of a pedagogue 
with becoming dignity and spirit, and I should judge you are quite 
happy in the new relation. You are right in declining to remain in 
the school-room longer than you suggest — not simply on your own 
account; it would be positively injurious to those under your care. 
The physical man needs culture as well as the intellectual. Nor is the 
latter likely to become vigorous while the former is neglected. No 
mistake can be greater than to suppose that children will either im- 
prove in their taste for learning or make much proficiency in it by con- 
fining them within the limits of a school-room eight or ten hours a 

P 



226 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

day. This extreme confinement would, too, I fear, be prejudicial to 
your own health. You must exercise caution in this respect. Study 
I know you will, but do not suffer yourself to be interested in it to the 
neglect of regular, suitable exercise every day. Mr. Phelps told me 
that although he had studied hard, he had enjoyed uniform good health 
on account of the regular exercise he had taken. You will have oppor- 
tunities of riding out or walking about sundown, and you will find its 
happy influence both on mind and body. 

If you exercise caution during the hot months, the cool, pleasant 
weather will soon come, and you may pass on in the employment of 
your time without serious disadvantage. May your health be con- 
tinued! Your plan of opening school with prayer is wise. It will 
have a good influence upon your own heart, and give you increased 
influence for good over your scholars. You may then, too, expect the 
divine blessing on the work of your hands. A short devotional exercise 
of this kind I have always regarded as appropriate and useful. 

You seem to feel the full power of the sentiment that happiness is 
not to be secured except in the right performance of duty from day to 
day. To have our faculties employed in a manner which bears favor- 
ably upon the well-being of others, with the exercise of humble trust 
in and love to him from whom we derive all this, — this is the great end 
of life, and this, so far from interfering with our own comfort or inter- 
ests, will be the surest means of promoting them. 

So you have commenced the study of the law? And do you really 
think you will be employed in the business of pleading before civil courts 
and on behalf of the earthly interests of your fellow-men ? I do not ob- 
ject to the occupancy of your mind in this way, but it would be a matter 
of thankfulness to me if it were the will of the great Head of the church 
to employ you as a pleader with men to be reconciled to him. I trust 
you will be guided by him in the path of duty, and that your talents and 
life will be consecrated to the spread of his kingdom and glory. Make it 
a subject of humble prayer, and he will direct. 

[To the Same.] 

Richmond, July 14, 1852. 
I am now expecting to leave here on Friday afternoon, and shall hope 
to see you on Saturday morning. There is a remote possibility that in 
consequence of the expected departure of our missionaries, Cabaniss and 
"Whilden, I may be detained, in which case it will be necessary for you 
to fill the appointment. Ships are ready for Shanghai and Canton, and 
the brethren have been written to to come on ; if they should arrive in 
Richmond on Friday, I might be detained, though I hope otherwise. 
The alumni of Richmond College met yesterday, nine in number, and 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 227 

organized — will have another meeting to-day. They somewhat looked 
for you. I thought, however, you would hardly leave your school, and 
on the whole it was perhaps best that you did not, as the trip would have 
been too hurried and fatiguing for comfort, especially this hot weather. 
You must endeavor to keep cool, not only physically, but mentally. I 
see by your letter to F. you have had a little trial in maintaining disci- 
pline in your school, and. I am glad to know you were able to maintain 
equanimity of temper. This is not easy, and yet it is both duty and in- 
terest. Health is seriously impaired by fretfulness, and sad havoc of 
happiness is also the result. Those around are rendered unhappy, as 
well as ourselves. In this respect it is good for you to bear the yoke in 
your youth. These trials of patience and temper may serve to prepare 
you for greater trials in future life, in the family, in the church, and in 
your intercourse with men at large. I said, It is not easy always to curb 
temper, and often the most trivial temptations to ill-humor are the most 
difficult of resistance. We ought, however, in these things, to discipline 
ourselves. I wish to do it, though I often find myself at fault, and have 
reason to mourn and make confession before God. I desire not only to 
exercise patience myself under provocation, but to avoid, as far as pos- 
sible, giving provocations of ill-temper to others, even in little things. 

[To his Wife.] 

Clinton, Miss., November 14, 1852. 
.... Your last letter was dated on the anniversary of , our marriage- 
day. How swiftly have the years of our union flitted away ! They have 
been happy years to me. Hardly can I adopt Newton's lines. It is true 
that the cloth is somewhat ''checkered." "Cares" and "crosses" have 
contributed to make up the thread, but I must say that "love" and 
" comfort " have made up not only the woof, but a large portion of the 
thread too. Ours has been in many respects a favored lot, and / have 
reason to thank the heavenly Disposer of events for all the leadings of 
his providence in respect to this relation. We may both feel sensible of 
imperfections (my own I know and deplore), but loving hearts can over- 
look all, can forget all. Your regard, your love, so sincere and constant 
and increasing, has been shown when, in hours of sickness, like a minis- 
tering angel, you have watched and waited and served. How can I forget 
that tender solicitude and ever-ready toil which marked the long, weary 
months of 1850? I do remember, and appreciate and love. On the 
heart's tablet is engraved in ever-enduring lines the name and worth of 
her whom years ago I began to love, and whom I chose as the companion 
of my life because I deemed her worthy of being loved. Although in 
some respects we may differ in natural temperament, yet, if I mistake 
not, in all the essential elements of character we are one. A gradual 



228 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

assimilation has been going on. We know each other more, and 
mutually yield and conform to each other. Is not this the essence of 
love? And may not this influence be mutually beneficial? Says the 
great John Foster: "What a stupendous progress in everything esti- 
mable and interesting would seem possible to be made by two tenderly- 
associated beings of sense and principle in the course of twelve or twenty 
years ! Yes, most certainly, for one has been conscious of undergoing a 
considerable modification from associating even a month with interesting 
persons. Only suppose this process carried on, and how great in a few 
years the effect !" The effect which our long-continued union will have 
is dependent on ourselves. It will, I trust, more and more conform us 
to each other, and both to the image of Christ. May we still increase in 
all that shall make us one in mind and heart, and prepare us for a happy 
and holy eternity in heaven by assimilation to the character of God 
himself! .... 

[From his Diary.] 

1851, February 28th. Ambition is a silly vice. Earely is its subject 
gratified. Let Honor be courted, and she will flee ; let her be deserved, 
and she will be won. Especially is this true in respect to the Christian 
ministry. 

March 17th. The pleasures of Christian intercourse are liable to de- 
generacy. In the joy of greeting and association there is danger of in- 
dulging undue levity of spirit. The conversation, instead of being 
directed to heavenly things, bears upon earthly topics, and often becomes 
mere "foolish jesting." How much precious time is thus worse than 
wasted ! 

29th. Made several calls in Baltimore preparatory to my collections 
on behalf of the Board. It is a cross to solicit funds, but I would gladly 
take it up and bear it for Christ's sake. I wish to enter upon the work 
in a right spirit and with right aims. 

April 4th. Left Baltimore, having obtained in subscriptions about 
fifteen hundred dollars, of which nine hundred dollars oi more were 
collected. 

8th. Napoleon frequently boasted that he was the child of destiny. 
May I not contemplate myself as an object of peculiar regard by the 
divine One ? How special have his mercies been, notwithstanding all 
my deserts ! 

9th. One of the most striking defects of our churches is their neglect 
of the gifts which God has bestowed. The opportunity of exercising 
these gifts is but seldom permitted. The Lord's Day is suffered to pass 
without public worship, because no minister is at hand to conduct the 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 229 

services, whereas if the church met for reading the Scriptures, prayer, 
and exhortation, the talents of its members would be developed, and 
much spiritual profit realized. 

15th. Spoke at Grace Street Church from 1 Thessalonians v. 11. "My 
preaching almost always displeases me." This language of Augustine I 
often find applicable to myself. Scarcely ever do I find myself to my 
own satisfaction presenting to the minds and hearts of my hearers the 
deep and wonderful things of God. 

June 2d. General Association nine o'clock, Educational Society ten 
o'clock. The meeting deeply interesting. At night a mass-meeting for 
educational purposes. More than twelve thousand dollars subscribed for 
endowment of the college.* 

July 30th. Am about arranging for the erection of some buildings on 
my lot. The way seems open to accomplish the object without embarrass- 
ment to me or others, and in the operation I desire to avoid the indul- 
gence of a worldly spirit. Let me not set my affections on things on the 
earth. 

31st. This is a beautiful world. Everything as it comes from the hand 
of God is suited for the end for which it is made. All may contribute 
to the general good of his creatures. How grateful and devoted should 
man be ! how ready to love and serve his Maker ! how constant and con- 
scientious his service ! 

September 22d. Eeceived an invitation from the church at Petersburg 
to become their pastor. The peculiar duties of the ministry I love. I 
am sensible of great deficiency for such a solemn work, and yet I know 
of none in which I could more happily engage. It has been with me 
seriously questioned whether I ought not again to devote my entire time 
to the pastorate. 

24th. Have been seriously meditating the question of duty relative to 
the call of the Petersburg church. I wish to do the will of God. Know- 
ing as I do, and loving, many of the members of that church, the position 
would be to me pleasant. Yet I know not that duty would be consulted 
in leaving my present field. 

25th. I conclude it will be my duty to decline the invitation of the 
church at Petersburg. It would not be right to leave the secretaryship 
without giving notice of some months to the Board, and the church ought 
not to be kept waiting. I yet hope, however, the Lord being pleased, to 
return to the station of a humble Christian pastor. This is the work I 
chiefly love. 

October 15th. Wrote all day. At night visited Brother C. and three 
sick families. To be found among the afiiicted is an employment in 
which I take deep interest. I wish in this respect to be more like the 
* At this meeting he subscribed one thousand dollars. 
20 



230 LIFE AND TIDIES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

divine Saviour, who went about doing good. This was the great business 
of his life. 

November 12th. Left Philadelphia at six o'clock a.m. Reached New 
York at 11 a.m. Met with a believer in the spiritual rappings, the most 
silly of all delusions. Saw the missionaries and spent a short time in 
their company. 

17th. This day, at two o'clock p.m., the missionaries left. Dr. Burton 
and Mr. Crawford and lady seemed much gratified with the privilege of 
going to a land of spiritual darkness. The Horatio, in which they sail, 
is a good vessel. 

February 20th. Very busy this week writing letters to China. These 
letters require to be prepared with much care. They should be d^istinct 
and unequivocal, not capable of misapprehension. Affectionate tender- 
ness mingled with fidelity should mark every line. May I rightly per- 
form my duty ! 

March 6th. To add to the sum-total of human happiness should con- 
stitute the aim of every Christian. " As ye have therefore opportunity, 
do good unto all menJ' The opportunity is frequent. It occurs every 
day, indeed almost every hour. I cannot come unto the society of a 
friend or a foe without being furnished with the means of doing him 
good. Lord, help me to increase in endeavors to benefit others ! 

13th. Preached at Taylorsville from 1 Peter ii. 7. Cheerfulness is a 
Christian virtue. Its influence is contagious. It often breaks in upon 
the heart of the disconsolate like the sun upon a dark and cloudy day. 
A kind word, a look of generous sympathy, and a gentle, winning, 
cheerful temper, will serve as a healing balm to those around us who in 
the world's fierce conflict have been wounded and hurt. 

On an Associational occasion in Georgia, when Dr. Manly, then a 
young man, was present. Dr. Mercer was appointed to preach on 
Lord's Day. Being quite unwell when the hour arrived, he informed 
the large congregation that he was unfit for the service, " But," said he, 
pointing to his youthful brother, " there is a lad here with five barley 
loaves and a few small fishes ; he will feed the multitude." Mr. Manly 
arose and repeated for his text, " There is a lad here which hath five 
barley loaves and two small fishes, but what are they among so many .?" 
The sermon was blessed to the awakening of many. A glorious revival 
succeeded in which several hundred were converted. When Manly was 
advanced in life, an aged lady, meeting him in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and 
being introduced to him in the meeting-house, exclaimed, " And is this 
the lad with five barley loaves and a few small fishes?" The tears roll- 
ing down her cheeks, she praised the Lord for that sermon, which had 
been the means of her salvation. 

April 11th. Preached at Taylorsville from 2 Thessalonians iii. 1. It 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 231 

is better to tell our griefs to God than to men. He can better appreciate 
our circumstances, and is willing to bestow whatever of relief is needful. 
We shall scarcely find it necessary to seek sympathy of our fellow- 
creatures when we have obtained supplies from God, 

May 14th. Attended the meeting of the Chowan Association to-day. 
It was composed of representatives from forty-three churches. A more 
than ordinary degree of intelligence seems to distinguish the members. 

15th. My home while at the Association is with the family of Colonel 
C. Have endeavored to converse with all the members of the family on 
spiritual things. The Associational meeting to-day is pleasant. Bather 
too much tardiness in the prosecution of business, and too much disposi- 
tion in the speakers to glorify ourselves as a denomination. We have 
reason to be thankful for all that God has wrought in us and by us, and 
humbled in view of our deficiencies. 

November 30th. Preached at Grace Street Church from Matthew 
xxviii. 20. Since I have been away on my recent journey the Lord has 
called away by death two esteemed Christian friends, Mr. H. and Mrs. 
S. They were both under my pastoral care for many years. Eminently 
devoted to the Lord's service, I believe they were well prepared for 
their latter end. The former of these I baptized many years ago. He 
had been addicted to gambling, and lost many thousands of dollars in 
games of hazard. He had told me that he was returning from the gam- 
bling-house one night after midnight, and looking up into the clear, 
beautiful sky, and beholding the glory of God as there revealed, he be- 
thought himself of the course of life he was pursuing, and exclaimed, 
" What a fool I am ! I will stop in my career of sin." The next night, 
or soon after, he was in the house of God, a weeping penitent, and in a 
short time I was permitted to baptize him, and to welcome him into the 
fellowship of the church. He became and continued a consistent follower 
of Christ, was made a deacon of the Second Church of Eichmond, and 
adorned the doctrine of God his Saviour in all things. He died sud- 
denly, and died as he lived, a humble, devoted Christian. On the 
evening of his death he attended the weekly prayer-meeting and ex- 
horted, then went up to the protracted meeting at Third Church, and 
there again exhorted the people, saying that if he were sure they were 
his last words he would thus speak. He returned home, was taken sick, 
and before morning passed away. He died with his armor on. 

December 8th. "It would be as easy for a mole to prepare Newton's 
* Principia' as for uninspired men to write the Bible." This, in sub- 
stance, was the language of John Bandolph, as narrated by a gentle- 
man who heard it to Mr. Jeter. Mr. B. had in early life been inclined 
o skepticism, but determined at length not to reject the Bible without 
examination. The result was a conviction of its truth. Christianity is 



232 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

true. The evidences by which it is sustained are of the most satis- 
factory character. Every man of sound mind, upon investigation, must 
be convinced. 

12th. Preached at Taylorsville in the morning from Psalm ix. 2, 
and administered the communion ; then returning to Richmond, saw 
Brother Jeter administer the ordinance of baptism at half-past three 
o'clock P. M. Had the unspeakable pleasure of seeing my dear J. a 
joyful believer in Christ. Truly I have reason to rejoice in the loving- 
kindness of the Lord. All my children are professing to be the ser- 
vants of Christ — a blessing compared with which all the honors and 
riches of earth are contemptible and mean. I have desired, above 
everything else on their behalf, that they should be brought nigh to 
God, and now I desire that they may be useful to their fellow-men and 
eminently glorify their heavenly Father through life. 

[Letter to one of his Sons.*] 

Richmond, March 13, 1853. 

We are much relieved to hear that you are in better health. Learn- 
ing that you were detained from lecture, and knowing your reluctance 
to lose a single opportunity, we began to fear you might be really sick. 
I am truly thankful to hear of your welfare, and especially that you 
seem to be happy in your present position. It is indeed peculiarly 
favorable that you are placed in circumstances where you may gratiiy 
your thirst for learning and prepare yourself for the exercise of a use- 
ful influence among your fellow-men. You are now breathing a literary 
atmosphere, and your mental constitution may obtain a vigor and firm- 
ness which under other circumstances you might never acquire. If 
you can come from the halls of learning with physical strength un- 
abated, while the mind is well stored with useful knoAvledge, I shall 
not regret the arrangement. My chief fear has been that you would 
break down in health, and thus with a good education be really good 
for nothing, so far as active labors in the ministry are concerned 

I met with Brother W. F. B. in King William. It was pleasant to 
renew the acquaintance of former years. I am happy to know that he 
intends to settle in Virginia, and take charge of a female school of high 
grade. He says he thinks it altogether suitable for a minister to be 
connected with a school — that he never found it to interfere with his 
duties as a pastor or preacher. He informed me that his nephew, 
John A., of whose talents for the pulpit he has an exalted opinion, had 
marked out for himself a devotion of some ten years to the peculiar 
duties of the ministry, writing and reading and preaching, and that he 
had fixed a high standard of excellence which he desired to attain — 

* At the University of Virginia. 



LIFE AND TI^tES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 233 

that then he proposed to spend the remainder of life as a teacher and 
preacher. I sincerely hope it may please God to spare his life and 
make him abundantly useful. 

We are hoping soon to mature our plans for the scheme of a female 

college. has given up the agency in despondency. Brethren 

Jeter, Manly, and I are determined to take hold of it this week, and 
hope to secure at least fifteen thousand dollars to begin with. The 
scheme must not fail. We have appointed a building committee to report 
to the trustees of Richmond College, and hope to see an edifice in prog- 
ress soon. 

[Letter to one of his Sons.] 

Richmond, November 4, 1853. 

Your dear mother has already informed you of the issue of that 
trial through which the Lord has been leading us. In some respects 
it is a sad hour. I shall miss your grandpa. Everything about Bel- 
monte wears a desolate aspect to me. But beheld in another view, all 
is bright and pleasing. God has given me a father of no ordinary ex- 
cellence of character, and now, as I survey the past, a thousand sweet 
and tender reminiscences rise up before my mind. I have reason to 
praise the Lord that to such good ripe old age my father has been 
brought, that he has been spared to me so long, and that God gave to 
him so quiet a dismission from the world. He passed away like one 
falling asleep. Yesterday afternoon it was dark and cloudy, betokening 
a storm, but just at night the cloud in the west passed away, presenting 
a beautiful, mild sunset sky. It was a fitting prelude to the closing 
day of my dear father's life, and emblem of the peaceful end of his 
sojourn on earth. 

I cannot write more now. I have sat up nearly the whole of four 
nights, and the overpowering feelings experienced altogether disqualify 
me from writing more. I could not be satisfied, however, without 
dropping you this line. Take care of yourself. The Lord take care 
of you I In haste, and with a trembling hand, I subscribe myself 

YOUE AFFECTION^ATE FATHER. 

[Letter to one of his Sons.] 

Richmond, November 18, 1853. 
I have been seeking in vain an opportunity of writing you for the last 
two weeks. My engagements have been more than usually numerous. 
Since the deep affliction we have suffered in our family it has appeared 
to be a duty to visit Belmonte as often as possible, both as regards M., 
who needs to be soothed and comforted in her loneliness, and various 
matters there which require attention. In many respects it is painful to 
look around and behold so many tokens of remembrance, bringing afresh 
20* 



234 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

before ua the severity of our loss. Almost every spot revives the thought 
of past days, and of those many pleasant scenes which have occurred in 
the associations of the past. But there are also joyous emotions mingled 
with the sorrow which is awakened. Our venerated father was permitted 
to enjoy much of happiness in this life. Very few men were happier 
than he. He derived pleasure from the external world, and enjoyed the 
society of his friends in a high degree. Fond of reading, he had a pure 
source of gratification in books, and from this fountain he often drank. 
A rich mine of spiritual wealth was also at hand in his own reflections, 
into which he would dig as for hidden treasure. The contemplation of 
God, hi3 providence and grace, was to him pleasant. I love to dwell 
upon many of his points of character. He took great interest in his 
children and grandchildren. His very being seemed to be wrapped up 
in their welfare. He loved them fondly, and there was nothing he would 
have been unwilling to do for the promotion of their happiness. You 
can hardly tell what a vacuum is created by his death. Every day I 
miss him. I seem to look for him and to hear the sound of his voice. 
The only recompense for his loss is found in a remembrance of his many 
virtues, and a contemplation of that divine Hand which so kindly con- 
ducted him even to the close of his earthly pilgrimage. I do feel thank- 
ful on his behalf. Could I. have arrested the approach of the destroyer, 
I would have done it. But human foresight and human skill could avail 
nothing. The time of his dismission was come, and for the grace of God 
revealed in him I would cherish a grateful heart 

I am happy to know you are prosecuting your studies with so much 
comfort to yourself, and that you are so well situated as regards your 
room. You may not have all that an ambitious worldly heart might 
desire, nor even all the conveniences and comforts that might be wished 
by a heart properly exercised, and yet you can be happy. It is well for 
us that happiness is not made to consist in external advantages, but in the 
state of the heart. It is not even dependent upon the character and tem- 
per of those around us. If we can only be ourselves rightly affected, 
quietude of mind will be enjoyed, even though those around us may be 
unsocial, unkind, or even hostile. Indeed, if we can only trust in the 
Lord and do good, we shall be prepared to look with a kindlier eye upon 
the deficiencies of others, and thus rid ourselves of vexation and tor- 
menting passion. In this world, even though it be full of evil, evil men 
and evil things, we may know what it is to be kept in perfect peace, our 
hearts being stayed upon the Lord. This, I hope, will be your happy 
experience as you wait upon him. 

I have somewhat feared you might overtask yourself with your numer- 
ous studies and your labors in the school-room — that you might omit the 
necessary gymnastic exercises, and thus suflfer in health of body. Would 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 235 

it not be almost worth the expense to take the ticket for gymnastics? If 
not, I hope you will not neglect the voluntary exercise of the muscles 
from day to day. 

[To William Crane.] 

.... I have felt the intelligence you communicate respecting our dear 
brother, James C. Crane. T had heard of his indisposition, but was 
scarcely prepared to think of such a condition of things as would render 
a winters residence at the South necessary. His death would be a sad 
event to us all here, and to the cause at large. I cannot yet relinquish 
the hope that with suitable rest he may recover. He is about my own 
age, and having been in so many relations and labors associated with 
him, I had learned to regard him as a brother beloved, as exceedingly 
dear to me. How precious the hope of the gospel which permits us to 
look for and expect the eternal fellowship of the skies ! I was made re- 
cently, with a rich and sweet experience, to enjoy this hope as I saw my 
loved and venerated father pass away from the earth. It was indeed a 
sad event which sundered us. I loved him as I loved my own soul. A 
thousand fond recollections of childhood's earliest hour and of youth and 
riper age came up before me as night after night I watched him, wiped 
the death-sweat from his brow, and at last closed his eyes when the vital 
spark had fled. I'hen I felt, as I have seldom felt, the verity and value 
of the gospel hope. I seemed to look into that valley of the shadow of 
death through which the loved one was passing, and beheld it all radiant 
with the light and glory of the Redeemer's presence 

[To one of his Sons just entering the Pastoral Office.] 

Richmond, June 20, 1855. 
.... I trust you will be guided by infinite wisdom and love in the 
discharge of those duties which lie before you. You need not yield to 
anxious care in looking forward to your work, nor need you be excessively 
anxious when you enter upon it. Endeavor to be faithful, without suffer- 
ing yourself to be overtasked, either mentally or physically. Have your 
plans formed, your time appropriated systematically, and then do not 
overwork yourself. A good portion of each day may well be employed 
in visiting, making your calls specially pastoral. Extend your acquaint- 
ance as much as possible for the sake of doing good to the souls of the 
people. Commit all your work and all the people of your charge to God 
with the cheerful heart of one who knows how to trust him. Engage in 
your great work with gravity, with earnestness, but hopefully. The gospel 
you preach and the Master you serve warrant you to look for success in 
your work. I refer to the proper care of your health, but it will be wise 
not to think too much of it ; only exercise proper care as to study, exer- 
cise, and diet. 



236 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

.... Things go on here as usual. Our college building is nearly 
ready for the roof. Preparations are being made for the closing exercises 
of both schools. The college faculty will probably be wholly reorganized, 
and an attempt will be made to abolish the presidency. The whole sub- 
ject is now in the hands of a committee, to report on Tuesday nezt 

Brother Poindexter and I are busy in the formation of our plans for the 
financial year, besides the performance of the regular work of the rooms. 
We are looking for your return home with pleasure. It is still your 
home, and is always rendered the brighter and happier when J. and you 
are here 

In the fall I may be able to see you in Baltimore, perhaps at the time 
of the Maryland Union Association : whether I can preach all day at 
F. S. is doubtful. You know it is seldom best for pastors to vacate their 
pulpits all day, especially for old-fashioned preachers. No apology is 
needed for your " slipshod letter." We are glad you write just as you 
feel, and judge from its tone you are in good spirits, an indication of 
general good health. May the Lord bestow upon you this blessing, 
especially a heart day by day to trust him and do his will ! 



[To one of his Sons.] 

EiCHMOND, December 5, 1855. 

.... I could sympathize with you in the feelings you expressed after 
the return from meeting Friday night. The same oppressive and depress- 
ing weight I have had myself, bearing down upon my own soul, There 
is danger, however, that our feelings on the subject may become morbid. 
Our sensibilities ought to be excited, perhaps at some times specially so. 
The Psalmist could say, "Rivers of waters run down mine eyes," etc., 
and Paul, " I have continual sorrow and heaviness of heart." The weep- 
ing Saviour could mourn over incorrigible Jerusalem, and so may we 
feel and ought to feel. But we must not allow our feeling to paralyze 
our energies. Many things connected with the divine administration 
and with the future world are wisely concealed from us. We may seem 
to hear our divine Master saying to us, amid our solicitudes, " What is 
that to thee ? Follow thou me." " What I do, thou knowest not now, 
but thou shalt know hereafter." W^e can have confidence in the infinite 
wisdom, rectitude, and goodness of God, and may safely leave all that is 
irreconcilable to our puny minds with him. 

Duty is ours. The present duty is ours, and I may say that we can 
legitimately pursue the path of duty in the exercise of a humble, trustful, 
JOYFUL heart. Thus I hope it will be with you. You may draw water 
out of the wells of salvation. Yes, "with joy ;^' mark that! That whole 
twelfth chapter of Isaiah is full of rich thought. The prophet could 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 237 

triumphantly exclaim, " I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord 
Jehovah is mj strength and my song." 

[From his Diary.] 

1853, July 6th. Ketumed to Boston at six a. m. Much engaged until 
twelve o'clock, at which time Brethren Bowen, Lacy, and Dennard left 
their native land for the Central African mission in the steamer Niagara. 
They, with their wives, seemed cheerful and happy in anticipation of 
entering upon their work. 

September 2d, On my way to the Broad Eun Association (Western 
Virginia). Having passed through Cumberland in the night, and 
reached Fetterman's, I left the cars and took a stage for Clarksburg. 
Arrived at three P. M. Visited an aged and excellent sister, at whose 
house I remained for the night. Made arrangements for going to the 
Association, ten miles, on the morrow. 

4th. In the morning assisted the brethren in their arrangements for 
colportage. At ten o'clock walked three-quarters of a mile to the stand, 
where I preached to a great crowd from ] Peter ii. 7. Afterward rode 
in a buggy ten miles to fill an appointment at Clarksburg. Weather in- 
tensely hot ; much wearied with the toils of the day. 

5th. Preached at night from John iii. 36. Weather still exceedingly 
hot. Remained with Brother K. at Sister W.'s, being unable to secure a 
seat in the stage. Clarksburg is a pleasant town of about one thousand 
people, the county-seat of Harrison. Spent part of the day in looking 
over the papers of Brother W., who has been a very useful minister for 
many years, and who died two years ago. 

6th. Still detained, the stage being full. It was a providential inter- 
ference in my favor, for the stage, with seventeen passengers, was over- 
turned and several were injured. Visited several families, among others 
prisoners in jail, and conversed with them on spiritual things. 

December 9th. I spent two or three hours last night with Brother 
Silas Wyatt and family, and at midnight left Montgomery in the cars, 
arrived at West Point at six A. M., rode eight miles in the stage, and 
again took the cars for Atlanta. In the stage had an argument with a 
skeptic. Before we parted he put a note into my hand, in pencil, as 
follows : " In your most secret devotions remember the stranger, upon 
whom a mountain of guilt rests, for which his heart is grieved." He 
seemed deeply afiected, and in leaving him I exhorted to an investigation 
of gospel truth. May he be a saved one ! 

12th. Left Wilmington at nine o'clock A. M., and reached home in 
twelve hours, having traveled about two hundred and fifty miles. Found 
all well. The Lord be thanked for his goodness to me and mine ! He 
has prospered my way in answer to prayer, and permitted me with a 
large supply of funds to resume my duties at the mission-room. 



238 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

1854, February 13th. Left Richmond for Baltimore and the West. 
Arrived at Brother W. Crane's about seven p. m. Went with him to 
prayer-meeting at High Street Church. Addressed the congregation on 
the acceptableness and beneficial results of believing prayer. 

14th. Busy all day preparing books, etc. to send to our missionaries on 
the coast of Africa. At night heard Brother L. W. Allen preach at First 
Church. Spoke myself in a few words of encouragement to serious per- 
sons. Meeting quite interesting. 

loth. Employed throughout the Jay and until nearly midnight in 
sending goods and writing letters. 

16th. Left Baltimore in a snow-storm for Wheeling. Detained by a 
land-slide on the railroad. Found the journey very fatiguing. In 
leaving home for such a long journey I realize, as I have often done, my 
dependence on the divine care. May I properly spend the time I am 
absent ! 

26th. The day laboriously filled up. At nine a. m. met the students 
of Georgetown College. At eleven a. m. preached for Brother Lynd, and 
at half-past two p. m. addressed the young ladies of the Female Institute ; 
then rode through the storm twelve miles to Lexington, and preached at 
night. 

27th, at Lexington, Kentucky. Walked out to Ashland, the home of 
the late Henry Clay. Held a conference with Brethren Pratt and Dil- 
lard on the case of Brother Roberts. I cannot but hope that the excite- 
ment which has been created by the collisions of the Board with him 
may be overruled for good, and that this visit of mine will succeed in 
quelling it. 

28th. Returned to Louisville this morning. With Brother Ford 
passed down in a steamer to Brother Waller's, about fifteen miles from 
the city. Sat up Avith him until three o'clock in the morning, conferring 
with him on various points of difliculty he has had with the Board. The 
interview was a pleasant one. 

March 1st. Still engaged in conference with Brother W. Think I 
have succeeded in satisfying his mind on several questions. We have 
agreed upon an adjustment of the matter so far as the Recorder is con- 
cerned. I have found the interview pleasant. 

August 2d. Have found myself recently aflfected with pain in the chest 
<ind a strange languor, almost unfitting me for the duties before me. It 
is perhaps well for me that it is so. I am reminded of my frailty, of the 
islenderness of that tie which binds me to this world. The Psalmist once 
prayed that he might know how frail he was. This lesson is best ob- 
tained in the hour of sickness. When the body begins to fail, eternity is 
brought near to us, and we understand that our days are as a handbreadth 
> id our age is as nothing. And then, if all this perception of the frailty 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 239 

and uncertainty of life shall lead to a higher appreciation of the gospel, 
the lesson will have been turned to some practical account. Thus I 
^ould have it. I would more highly prize the way of salvation, and 
love more ardently the Author of salvation. I would guard carefully 
against an undue interest in the perishing things of earth, and live in 
constant preparation for that change which must soon come. 

27th. Spent the day at Taylorsville. At ten o'clock baptized thirteen 
colored people. Preached twice. The days of former years were 
brought to remembrance. 1 am ready almost to long for a return to Ihe 
special duties of the pastorate. 

October 7th. Left home this morning for Baltimore on my way to 
Kentucky and Tennessee. It is not the most pleasant thing for me to 
undertake this journey, but the claims of duty seem to demand it. 

11th. Left Cincinnati at seven, and reached Louisville at two o'clock. 
As soon as possible hastened to the Walnut Street Baptist Church, where 
I was startled by the assemblage of a large congregation at the funeral of 
Brother J. L. Waller. He died suddenly yesterday. I cannot but be 
deeply affected by this event. Truly life is a dream. How short is 
time, how much is to be done, and how brief the space in which to do it ! 
Lord, teach me to number my days ! Help me to live to thee ! The 
General Association of Kentucky is in session. A goodly number in 
attendance, and much interest in the meeting is being taken. 

13th. By request, preached the missionary sermon in place of Brother 
Bryce. The meeting in progress is deeply interesting. All seem to be 
determined to prosecute with new vigor the missionary-work. 

28th. Find a large accumulation of letters and much work before me, 
as Brother Poindexter, my associate, is sick in Halifax. My recent 
visit to the West has been eminently successful, and now at home I 
gladly resume the duties of the mission-room. 

29th. Preached at Leigh Street Church from John ix. 27. Had more 
than usual freedom, and rejoiced to learn that one soul was led during 
the discourse to rejoice in Christ and yield to him. Delivered a short 
address at Sunday-school meeting at the First Church in the afternoon, 
and heard Brother Jeter at night. Earnestly do I long to be useful in 
the work of the ministry. I would seek those influences from above 
which shall prepare me for the exercise of a benign influence on the 
world. 

1855, May 21st. Came to Murfreesboro', North Carolina, this morn- 
ing. Preached from John xxi. 15. Stayed with Dr. W. Lodged in 
the same room about thirty years ago, when on a preaching-excursion 
with Brother Jeter. 

August 31st. Last evening had a fall from a chair in putting booka 
upon a shelf. Suffer much in my side and back. How frail is man I 



240 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

how subject to disaster, disease and death ! I would " know how frail 
I am." 

November 19th. To-day a messenger came from Charlottesville to pro- 
cure aid in a protracted meeting which has been much favored with the 
divine blessing. Consented to go to-morrow morning. 

26th. Returned home after a week of evangelistic labor. It has been 
pleasant to preach and labor for days in succession. Would that it 
could be my constant employment ! 

December 23d. Preached at Fork Church from James iv. 7. In con- 
sequence of the taking down of the meeting-house at Taylorsville, we 
have accepted the use of the Fork Church, offered by the Episcopalians. 

January 6th. The snow very deep, perhaps deeper than for many 
years. Remained at home, and had worship at eleven o'clock with my 
own family. Found it pleasant. 

7th. It is supposed that the snow which has fallen is deeper than for 
many years past, being tAvelve or fifteen inches deep, and in the drifts 
two or three feet. Remained at home writing. 

February 6th. Sadly do professing Christians remain ignorant of 
their duty and privilege to reach a high measure of personal holiness 
of character. Do they not too readily yield to the theory that, being 
subject to evil tendencies, they may be satisfied with them, or that no 
resistance to them should be attempted ? Is there found that striving 
after higher attainments in piety which may be rendered by the Lord 
successful? Are the disciples of Jesus aiming to mortify pride and 
envy, to restrain their lusts, to guard against covetousness, to resist the 
selfishness of their natures, to bridle their tongues, and to check the 
carnality of their affections ? Do they aim to be gentle, kind, and for- 
giving, and to do good to all men, both saints and sinners ? 

April 18th. Left Baltimore in company with Brother Graves, who 
bids farewell to his family and friends, ready to depart in the ship 
Howqua from New York on the morrow. We arrived just at night, 
found the vessel, and then passed up to the prayer-meeting of First 
Church in Broome street. 

19th. The Howqua left her port at half-past eight this morning, 
and after transacting some business I left New York to return to Bal- 
timore. 

21st. The Psalmist exhorts, " Delight thyself also in the Lord." To 
delight in God is more than a mere appreciation of his character. A 
speculative knowledge of him may be entertained altogether in accord- 
ance with the delineation of his word. An admission of his glory may 
be had by the mere formalist. It is more than admiration. Even the 
infidel is compelled to wonder and admire in view of the divine cha- 
racter. But this sentiment is seated in the heart. It is a sentiment 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 241 

of love. In all the character of God he is loved — in the severity of 
his anger, in the rigor of his justice, in the purity of his requirements, 
in the spirituality of his claim. In all that God does, in all that he is, 
in all he says, he becomes an object of complacency and joy. 

May 2d. Left "Wilmington for Richmond. This is the second trip 
I have taken to the South this spring. Truly am I a pilgrim wander- 
ing from place to place, not because I desire it, but because it seems 
necessary in carrying on the great objects contemplated by the Board. 

24th. Left home for Lynchburg, by special request of the church, to 
aid them in arranging for the anniversary meetings to be held there. 
Arrived at tAvelve. Went to Brother C.'s. Visited Mr. H., who is sick. 

25th. Preached three times. Went out to see Mr. H., and spent a 
short time in conversation with him. 

June 1st. Made some calls in L. this morning, for the purpose of con- 
versing on the subject of religion with some friends ; opportunity favor- 
able. Lord, seal thine own truth ! 

8th. Preached in the morning at Fork Church, and at Brother Gwath- 
mey's in the afternoon. It is just seven years since, at Brother G.'s, I 
was arrested by the long-continued sickness which wellnigh numbered 
me among the dead. I can truly say, " I was brought low, and he helped 
me." The pains and sorrows of that season of trial were peculiar, such 
as were never before known by me. "My soal hath them still in remem- 
brance, and is humbled within me." I would be a better man in view 
of the dealings of the Lord with me in that trial. He raised me up, and 
for what but that I might show forth his praise in the world? I would 
be his more unreservedly. 

July 2d. Have written to the Trustees of Columbian College declining 
the honorary degree of doctor of divinity conferred by them. I cannot 
regard such titles, especially when used and received in the intercourse 
of life and in religious assemblies, as consistent with the will of Christ. 
They savor too much of the spirit of this world, and minister to the pride 
and vanity of the carnal heart. They ought to be abjured by the 
churches of Christ. No minister of the gospel ought to be willing to be 
called Rabbi, or Master or Father. All are ministers truly, or servants, 
like their Lord, who came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and 
to give his life a ransom for many. 

December 22d. Have before me quite a busy week, having to complete 
my correspondence with the missionaries. This monthly duty must not 
be neglected, whatever else is left undone. They hear so infrequently 
from this land that I cannot be willing to omit this duty. 

23d. Quite busy to-day. I find it pleasant to be fully occupied, espe- 
cially in writing to our beloved missionary friends. I have been led to 
feel toward them as toward my own children. Correspondence with them 
21 Q 



242 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

is always entered upon as a privilege, and not as a task. Often do I find 
myself in imagination with them, beholding them in their work and 
listening to them in their appeals to the people. God make them effect- 
ive pleaders for him ! 

25th. Employed part of the day at the mission-room writing to the 
missionaries. In the home-circle found it especially pleasant to unite in 
the joyonsness of the season. I have no reverence for the day as a relig- 
ious season, but as a time of social greeting it is pleasant. 

1857, January IS, Sunday. It commenced snowing last evening and 
continued throughout the day, the wind blowing furiously. It was a 
most dismal day. I was quite sick, confined to the bed. The family 
Avere confined at home. Bat few people of the city were able to leave 
their homes. 

19th. The snow continues to fall. It is said to be the deepest fall of 
snow ever known in this latitude. In some places it has drifted in piles 
six and eight feet high. I am still confined to the bed, though somewhat 
better. 

20th. The following anecdote was related to me by Eev. Mr. Tupper 
of Washington, Georgia: A young man in his congregation sent an 
anonymous letter, requesting him to preach from the words, " But of that 
day and that hour knoweth no man — no, not the angels which are in 
heaven ; neither the Son, but the Father.'' He consented, and after ex- 
plaining the passage, enforced strongly the admonition, "Take ye heed, 
watch, and pray." The next morning, riding out, he met a servant going 
to town in great haste, who told him a man had just been shot. He 
hastened into the field and found a young man, who, having a pistol in 
his pocket, had fallen down, and by the discharge of the pistol had been 
shot through the heart. Mr. T. was informed afterward that this was the 
individual from whom the note had been received. 

April 12th. The new house of Taylorsville church was to-day opened. 
A discourse was preached by Brother Jeter ; remarks also by the pastor. 
The Lord's Supper was observed. It was a pleasant season, and all 
seemed to enjoy it. 

June 19th. Beached Washington at daylight. Took a cup of coffee at 
the d^pot, and went in quest of Brother Bowen. We called in company 
at the Smithsonian Institute, and upon Professor T. at the Patent Office. 
AVrote to the Secretary of Navy on the exploration of the Niger. Called 
at Colonel K.'s. 

July 31st. Left Richmond this morning in company with Brother 
Keid and wife, with reference to their embarkation from New York for 
Africa. 

August 3d. Proceeded immediately after breakfast to inquire for a 
vessel. Three opportunities presented themselves — either vid England 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 243 

by steamer, or by the Utah, wbich sails for Lagos the 1st of April, or 
the Hanover, which goes to Cape Palmas on the 5th inst. 

4th. After consultation with I. T. Smith, concluded a contract with 
A. & Co. for the passage of missionaries, as they agree for their conveni- 
ence to go to Sierra Leone. They propose to sail on Thursday. Began 
at once to make purchases for outfit, etc. 

6th. Busy all day in completing arrangements for the departure of 
missionaries to-morrow. Almost worn out in threading these streets. 
Everything nearly ready. 

6th. This morning still very busy in making sundry little purchases. 
At h^lf-past one P. m., in the midst of a heavy rain, received a summons 
to take the steamer which conveys to the Hanover, lying down the bay. 
We left at once. I saw Brother and Sister R. safely on board, gave them 
the parting word and returned. It, was to me a sorrowful hour. 

February 22, 1858. Left Petersburg with an immense crowd, some 
said about one thousand persons, to celebrate the completion of the 
equestrian statue of Washington on the Capitol Square in Richmond. 
The snow fell until after twelve o'clock ; notwithstanding, the procession 
formed and marched through the principal streets. Various ceremonies 
were performed on the Square, mostly Masonic ; and a speech of great 
excellence was delivered by Hon. Mr. Hunter. A splendid illumina- 
tion came off at night. It is supposed that thirty thousand strangers 
were in the city. It was a grand pageant. None more so has ever been 
witnessed in Virginia. The enthusiastic feeling of interest in the occa- 
sion was universal. 

March 13th. Left for Greenville at eleven, and arrived at five o'clock. 
I have been reading since I left Charleston a little book entitled "Grace 
of God Magnified," by Brother Taliaferro, of Tuskegee, Alabama. It is 
a good work performed by him, in spreading out this detail of painful 
internal struggles as he was brought to recognize clearly the plan of 
salvation in all its vastness and adaptation to human exigency. I often 
feel sad in view of the evil of sin, not simply as denounced in the word 
of God or exhibited in the conduct of others, but as felt in my own 
heart. I detect pride, hypocrisy, unbelief, a worldliness of spirit some- 
times almost overpowering. Alas, that it should be so ! 

14th. Preached morning and night. The day pleasantly spent to 
myself — I trust not unprofitably to others. It has been to me very 
pleasant to commune with the family of Brother J. Furman. 

15th. To-night delivered a lecture before the Society of Inquiry of 
Furman University. Found it pleasant to visit several families dur- 
ing the day. The church here will raise five hundred dollars, besides 
an equal sum subscribed by my much-respected brother, James P. 
Boyce. 



244 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

16th. Preached at the Baptist 'church of Williainston, having come 
twenty miles from Greenville. On our way a terrible collision took 
place between our train and a freight-train. The goodness of God in my 
preservation is manifest. His name be praised ! 

17th, Anderson Court-house. Came here about nine o'clock a. m., and 
stayed with Dr. Johnson. Find him feeble, but vigorous in mind, and 
cheerful. Saw my old acquaintance from Virginia, Brother Murray, who 
is principal of the Female University. Addressed the young ladies, one 
hundred and forty in number, at twelve o'clock, and preached at night. 

18th. Arrived a^ Newberry Court-house at eleven o'clock a.m. Stayed 
with Brother J. Brantly. Went out after dinner to visit Judge O'Neale 
at his residence. He is suffering from an injury received in a railroad 
accident. Much gratified with my visit. Preached at night. 

April 21st. Arrived at Tuskegee at twelve o'clock. Went to the home 
of Dr. Battle. Preached at night. In the afternoon went to the out- 
skirts of the town to look at the ravages of a terrible tornado which 
passed over yesterday afternoon. Never have I seen such awful demon- 
strations of divine power. Two currents of air seem to have met, cre- 
ating a whirlwind, and scattering fences, trees, and houses as if they had 
been lighter than feathers. On one lot every building was swept away, 
the fragments being carried for hundreds of yards. One man was killed 
and seven or eight persons fearfully mangled. 

December 10th. Busy closing up my work for the Board, preparatory 
to the recess allowed me for the purpose of completing my " History of 
Virginia Baptists," commenced twelve years ago. 

11th. To-day commences my furlough. Am solemnly impressed with 
a sense of responsibility in preparing my books for publication. I need 
a pure, elevated love to Christ and his cause to enable me to perform my 
work well, and that Christ may be glorified in it. Lord, help ! 

1859, January 27th. When J. B. Jeter was a young man, shortly after 
he entered the ministry, in one of the journeys which he and Daniel Witt 
took in preaching to the destitute, they fell in with Daniel Davis, who 
was noted for his Antinomian tendencies. Davis was in the zenith of his 
glory among a certain class. He said to the young preacher, alluding to 
a sermon he had preached, " Who is to blame if the sinner is not saved ? 
Not the sinner — he cannot save himself; not the devil — the devil cannot 
save him ; not God — God saves whom he pleases : he is not under obli- 
gation to save any sinner." Jeter encountered him, and said he, " Though 
I was a youth, I felt that I ran him to the wall." Ever after the young 
preachers were given up by Davis as incorrigibly unsound in the 
faith. 

April 2d. Left home this morning for Lynchburg. Spent the after- 
noon and night in writing. I am so pressed with the preparation of my 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 245 

book for the printer as to leave bat little time for anything else. May I 
rightly appreciate my responsibility ! 

5th. Lectured at twelve o'clock to the young ladies of HoUins Institute, 
on missions. After dinner left for Eichmond, but was met at the depot 
in Lynchburg by a messenger urging me to stay, as it was thought my old 
friend, Mr. Hollins,^ was dying. 

6th. My friend Mr. H. still lives, but is sinking fast. Have remained 
with him most of the day, employing the time in writing. In the after- 
noon visited three families, and returned to Mr. H. Sat up quite late, 
writing. Am not making the progress in my book which I desire. The 
printer is clamorous for copy, but I am wdshing not to hurry in the 
preparation of remaining sketches. 

7th. This morning the servant informs me that Mr. Hollins died be- 
tween one and two o'clock. He lies all robed for the grave. I rejoice 
to know that he has left evidence of preparation for death. He was a 
true penitent, and I believe a trusting recipient of the grace of God by 
faith. Many interesting interviews I have been permitted to hold with 
him, and have gathered distinctly, though he was unable to speak, that 
he saw and felt the evil of sin and his need of Christ. For more than 
three years he has been a paralytic, but now, unfettered by a poor 
diseased body, I trust he is rejoicing with God his Saviour in the heav- 
enly world. 

8th. Preached the funeral sermon of Mr. H. from 2 Timothy i. 10. A 
large concourse assembled at the Baptist church to pay their last token 
of respect to the memory of the good man. Left in the cars at half-past 
two P. M., though much fatigued. Must return home to be at my meet- 
ing at Taylorsville. 

June 26th. Preached in Lynchburg morning and night. Pastoral in- 
fluence is so potent for good, when rightly exercised, that it may well be 
made a subject of thought and prayer by every minister of the gospel. 
The great business of the overseer of a Christian church is to guide the 
Lord's people into all truth, and to train them into the exercise of their 
gifts for the common good and the glory of God. What a power for good 
would the churches possess if they were thus under the direction of well- 
qualified pastors! No one ought to assume such a responsibility without 
a solemn purpose to fulfill well the ministry received. 

November 11th. Wrote all day. At night attended meeting of Trus- 
tees of Richmond College. Feeling the importance of extending the 
building arrangements of the institution, I moved the appointment of a 
committee to report on the subject. 

* This gentleman is well known in Virginia as the liberal patron of the Hol- 
lins Institute, which he and his excellent wife endowed, and to which their 
name was given. 
21* 



246 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

21st. Kainy day. Preached in Farmville to a few, from Luke xv. 1-10. 
I am much gratified with the condition of things in Farmville. The 
brethren of the church are efficient and energetic, the congregation is 
large and attentive. The Lord, I trust, is to make his cause very preva- 
lent in this place. The pastor, Brother Huntington, is one of our most 
loved and devoted brethren. May God much prosper his labors ! 

22d. Have spent the whole of the morning in visiting with Brother 
Huntington. I find in such transient labors the feelings of a pastor re- 
vived. Like an old war-horse that scents the air and looks upon the 
scenes of the battle-field, I have all the desire to work, in preaching and 
teaching from house to house, rekindled in my bosom. Gladly would I 
go into the pastoral vocation, and spend the remnant of life in endeavors 
to promote in this way the glory of God in the salvation of men. 

[To one of his Daughters.] 

Edgefield Court-house, March, 1858. 

.... I have had a toilsome week, having delivered eight sermons and 
addresses, and traveled two hundred miles, partly by stage. I have also 
had two accidents on the railroad, both of which might have been se- 
rious, but from the injurious efiects of which the Lord graciously deliv- 
ered. The friends where I have stopped have been very kind ; when it 
was necessary to start before day a cup of cofiee has been ready. It has 
been affecting to me to meet these tokens of good-will, and I can from 
experience say, to you that you will often find it in your power through 
life to cheer the poor wayfarer by your kind looks and words and man- 
ner. Occasionally I find a lady cold and forbidding in manner. It 
always sends a chill through my heart, and I could wish to be hungry, 
weary, homeless, rather than receive seemingly reluctant attentions. 

I hope you continue to enjoy good health, and that you are finding 
pleasure in your books, household duties, the making of others happy, 
etc. Do not forget to take outdoor exercise every day. It will build up 
your physical frame and give energy to your mental powers. Help Ma 
all you can. I need not say this; I know you will do so. Trust in the 
Lord ; you have reason to trust in him. You remember those words, 
" Like as a father pitieth his children," etc. ? The Lord be with, com- 
fort, keep, sanctify you. I want to see your cheerful face. Soon I hope 
to be with you, though when it will be I cannot say. Remember me to 
dear F. and to all. 

[To one of his Sons.] 

Newberry Court-house, March, 1858. 
Dear G. : I have felt inclined to drop you a line in the course of my 
journeyings, for the purpose of showing that you are not forgotten. It 
seems to be mqre like a dream than a reality in recurring to the past. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 247 

Not long since you were a child, and with how much of pleasure and 
hope, mingled with solicitude, I looked upon your expanding powers, ia 
all as if it were but yesterday. If then a deep feeling of interest was 
cherished, it cannot be less so now you have risen to the stature and 
maturity of a man. Among the many subjects of thankfulness this is not 
the least, that God has counted you faithful, putting you into the min- 
istry. The same goodness hitherto manifested will still, I trust, be vouch- 
safed, and the good hand of the Lord continue to be stretched out on your 
behalf. 

I have been absent from home about a fortnight, and during that time 
have secured about $510, of which $335 is in cash, for the Board. It 
will be three weeks or a month before my return home, and I must, if 
possible, secure $1000 in cash. But it is hard work. If I go where they 
have done anything, this is plead as an excuse ; if nothing has been done, 
a painful Avant of disposition is apparent. Still, I like to work on, noth- 
ing dispirited. If I can only keep my own heart right, all will be well. 
But this is no easy thing. To beg money or to endure any of the hard- 
ships of life is nothing compared to this. It is on this account, I suppose, 
that the exhortation is given, " Keep thy heart with all diligence.'' It 
requires all diligence because of its very difficulty. 

I left Charleston yesterday morning, having spent a few days in that 
city. My home was with Dr. Manly. He is, when drawn out in con- 
versation, a very interesting man. At first there is an apparent want of 
the social and communicative in his character, but the more you are with 
him the more this reserve wears off and the more freely he expresses 
himself. Sis is a ripe judgment, especially on the import of the Scrip- 
tures. He is eminently ready and sound in his expositions. I found it 
pleasant and profitable to be in his society, and wished much to enjoy 
more of it. 

[To his Wife.] 

Washington, Georgia, March 23, 1858. 

.... I mentioned that I preached twice on Sunday at Edgefield 
Court-house. On Monday morning I started out among the people, and 
in about two hours collected one hundred and ten dollars. I then hired 
a buggy and started out in the country toward Augusta. Made a number 
of calls, riding from eleven o'clock until a little after dark ; collected in 
this ride sixteen dollars. Stopped within four miles of Augusta, at 
Brother Rambaut's ; his wife had gone into town to meeting. He re- 
ceived me cordially, had a cup of cofiee prepared, and after chatting a 
while I retired to rest. It was indeed pleasant rest. The next morning 
I was greeted with a pleasant smile by Mrs. E. ; she reminded me of our 
dear departed Sister Roper. After breakfast she brought me thirty dollars, 
to be divided between foreign and domestic missions ; her husband gave 



248 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

me twenty, and her daughter ten dollars for foreign missions. I then 
left. They urged me to come again. Rode over to Brother Brooks's, 
and stayed with him till after dinner, and having sent back my hired 
buggy, he sent me into Augusta. I was well wearied by the time I 
reached the city, was kindly received by Brother C.'s family, and after 
lolling a while walked a mile to meeting. Heard Brother Ryerson 
preach. All the churches are holding meetings. Retired at ten o'clock, 
and rose at one o'clock this morning to come to this place. Am spending 
a little time with our excellent brother, H. A. Tupper, a wealthy min- 
ister, who gives seven hundred dollars for the support of Mr. and Mrs. 
Reid. His wife is a sister of Brother Boyce. They have six little 
children, five of them boys. I am resting a little. Having preached 
ten times, counting one address, in eight days, repose is necessary. 

[To his Wife.] 

Baltimore, October 31, 1858. 

.... I left Baltimore on Wednesday last, eleven o'clock, after look- 
ing in vain for the arrival of Brother Stone. The time, however, was 
sufficiently employed while here. I passed on directly to New York, 
arriving there, hungry and weary, at ten o'clock. The next morning 
I found Brother Hartwell and lady. We at once began our work, 
selecting and purchasing all needful articles, and by Friday night had 
nearly completed the outfit. Saturday morning, until the last half 
hour, I was busy in settling accounts. I then bade Brother and Sister 
H. farewell, rapidly passed to the hotel, paid my bill, jumped into an 
omnibus, and reached the ferry two minutes before the boat left. Was 
not able to leave Philadelphia until eleven o'clock, and consequently 
did not reach Baltimore till this morning about day. I went to a hotel 
and slept a little. On coming to Brother Crane's to breakfast, I learned 
that I had been relied on to supply Dr. Fuller's pulpit. I preached for 
him at eleven o'clock. The house was quite full. This evening we 
had a crowded congregation, to pray for the missionaries previous to 
their embarkation. Addresses were delivered by Brethren Berg, Stone, 
and myself; prayer ofiered by Brother Sharp and Brother Van Meter 
of the Burman mission. It was a pleasant meeting. 

Monday night. Busy all day ; have been engaged in the purchase 
of flour, meats, groceries, hardware, crockery-ware, and bedding, and 
to-morrow have to pick up various odds and ends of the outfit. The 
vessel will not leave until Wednesday or Thursday, and I suppose I 
ought not to leave until she is ofi*. 

.... Brother Barker preached his first sermon here two weeks ago. 
They are pleased with him 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 249 

[From his Diary.] 
November 4th. Much engaged still from day to day in arranging for 
the sailing of the missionaries. This morning went down with them to 
the Mary Caroline Stephens, lying in the stream some three miles dis- 
tant. Twelve or more other missionaries of different persuasions were 
also passengers. Had religious services, and then hade them a long 
farewell. Eeturned to the city, transacted some business, and at five 
p. M. left for home, expecting to travel all night. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

IT is proposed to give in this chapter the annals of the For- 
eign Mission Board for ten years — viz., from 1853 to 1863 
— and a general statement of the operations of the Board 
from its origin to 1863. 

B^port made in 1853 to the Convention meeting in Baltimore. — The 
Canton mission, the very first established by the Board, had been, 
for a time, entirely unoccupied, but was then occupied by Mr. "Whil- 
den. The Shanghai mission had suffered the loss of Mrs. Shuck by 
death, and of Dr. Burton by return to this country. Messrs. Pearcy, 
Yates, Cabaniss, and Crawford, with their wives, and Miss Baker, were 
at work. Six schools were maintained, with eighty pupils, and were 
believed to be very useful. Elder Pearcy had made an excursion to 
the country, going from town to town, and had preached at one time to 
an attentive audience of thousands as long as his strength permitted. 
Elder Eli Ball had visited Liberia as a special messenger of the Board, 
inspecting the missions, and had "found much to excite joyous and 
grateful feelings." T. J. Bowen had made extensive explorations in 
Yoruba, and communicated the gospel to some, but, being alone and 
exhausted, had temporarily returned to this country; and the Board 
had appointed Dennard, Lacy, and Clark to reinforce that mission. 
Receipts for the year, $21,438. 

At the annual meeting of the Board held in Washington, Georgia, 
1854, they reported no change or progress in the Canton mission, and 
that the missionaries at Shanghai were both encouraged and interrupted 
by the events occurring in connection with the civil war in China. 
The insurgents were circulating the Bible, and thousands were turning 
formally from idolatry. One convert, an interesting young man and 
nearly related to one of the insurgent chiefs, had been baptized by 
Elder Pearcy. Mrs. Dennard had died, and Mr. Lacy had returned to 
the United States. The Board had secured the services of Bev. A. M. 
Poindexter as Associate Corresponding Secretary. Receipts for the 
year, $22,741. 
250 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 251 

At the meeting of the Convention in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1855, 
the Board reported that Rev. John Kingdom of Baltimore had gone on 
a special mission to Liberia, in the execution of which he had fallen 
a victim to the fever of the country ; that Elder Whilden had returned 
to the United States, and that the Canton mission was now maintained 
only by Elder G. W. Gaillard and wife, who had gone out during the 
year; that Elder O. Pearcy had, after nine years' labor in Shanghai, 
been compelled reluctantly to abandon his field; that the Shanghai 
mission had been much interrupted by the civil war, that city being for 
months in the hands of the insurgents, and collisions constantly occur- 
ring between the contending armies ; that Eev. R. H. Graves of Balti- 
more had been appointed to reinforce the Canton mission ; that Den- 
nard had died in Yoruba ; that Bowen and Clark had established a 
mission at Ijaye, one hundred and fifty miles from the coast, and were 
much encouraged ; and that Messrs. Phillips and Trimble had been 
appointed to reinforce the Yoruban mission. Receipts for the year, 
$30,066. 

The tenth report of the Board was presented at its annual meeting 
held in Augusta, Georgia, 1856. 

Gaillard was still laboring alone in Canton. That mission, too, had 
now been interrupted by the civil war. The spirit of inquiry among 
the people was increasing, and several persons had professed faith in 
Christ, but the missionary had not been sufiiciently satisfied to receive 
them into the church. The Shanghai mission had been much pros- 
pered. The missionaries had been preserved amid the dangers of war, 
and, though interrupted by it, had, in consequence of it, also found 
some specially favorable opportunities to gain an influence over the 
people and to preach the gospel to them. The Imperial party had 
retaken the city, and the government had indemnified the mission for 
the injury done to their chapels and dwellings. A large number of 
inquirers had presented themselves, and several had been baptized, 
including one woman — the first Chinese woman ever baptized at Shang- 
hai. The missionaries were looking "with delight mingled with awe 
upon the field whitening before th^m." In Yoruba several converts 
had been baptized, and the mission had been reinforced by Mr. Beau- 
mont. Receipts for the year, $30,829. 

To the meeting of the Convention held in Louisville, Kentucky, 
1857, the Board reported the Canton mission as occupied by Messrs. 
Gaillard and Graves, with the faithful Yong Seen Sang, and the mis- 
sionaries at Shanghai as much blessed and encouraged in their "almost 
superhuman labors" and " extensive journeys into the interior." Scrip- 
ture truth had been by them diffused far and wide ; many who had not 
become converts to Christ had given up their idols ; and five persons 



252 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

had been baptized, including a literary graduate of some distinction 
from a city in the interior. Mrs. Phillips had died in Yoniba, and Mr. 
Beaumont had come home, and Messrs. Casin and Priest, with their 
wives, had been sent out to that held. Five converts had been bap- 
tized in Ijaye, and " every corner of Ijaye had heard the gospel." Mr. 
Clark had established a mission at Ogbomishaw, fifty miles from Ijaye. 
Mr. Bowen had come to this country to publish his grammar and 
lexicon of the Yoruban language, as well as his work on Central 
Africa. Receipts for the year, $31,932. 

At the Convention in 1859, held in Richmond, the Board i-eported for 
two years. Messrs. Trimble and Clark and Crawford and Yates were in 
this country. Mr. Stone and wife had been sent to Yoruba, and Messrs. 
Holmes and Hartwell, with their wives, to Shanghai. Mr. Gaillard had 
baptized one at Canton, and one was awaiting baptism at Shanghai. 
John Day,, long one of the most valuable missionaries of the Board in 
Liberia, had died. Three had been baptized at Abbeokuta, two at 
Ogbomishaw, and Mr. Stone reported ail those formerly baptized at 
Ijaye as " making as fair advances in the divine life as could be ex- 
pected." Mrs. Reid had died of fever at Ogbomishaw. Mr. Reid'a 
labors had been much blessed ; besides those baptized by him there 
were many inquirers. The Board say : " Contributions have increased, 
many associations are calling for additional missionaries, a number of 
brethren are considering the question. In Liberia and Sierra Leone not 
less than three hundred have been baptized ; in Yoruba, nine ; in China, 
twenty-five." They also call loudly for more men, and announce that 
they have, after long considering the question of new missions, decided 
to attempt missions in Brazil and Japan. Receipts for two years, 
$74,126. 

In 1860 the Board reported the return to the United States of Messrs. 
Clark, Priest, and Cabaniss, the latter having labored eight years at 
Shanghai ; the appointment of Mr. Schilling to the Canton mission, and 
of Messrs. Rohrer, Johnson, and Toy to the proposed mission in Japan ; 
and the transfer of Mr. Bowen to the mission in Brazil. Messrs. Gail- 
lard and Graves had been greatly, blessed in Canton, and had baptized 
thirteen persons, " including two households." Messrs. Yates and 
Crawford had left the United States to rejoin their mission at Shanghai. 
Dr. Burton still retained his connection with the Board, though support- 
ing himself by his profession. The Yoruban mission had suflTered re- 
verses, especially in the return of missionaries ; but Mr. Reid was labor- 
ing alone at Awyaw, in feeble health, but not discouraged, while Messrs. 
Phillips and Stone were prosecuting their work at Ijaye, much en- 
couraged, having baptized several converts. The Board were, on the 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 253 

whole, much encouraged, and the receipts for "Lhe year had risen to 
$40,596. 

In 1861 the Convention met at Savannah, Georgia. To this meeting 
the Board reported that the year had been, partly from their large 
balance the preceding year, partly from the drought, partly from the 
attacks upon the Convention, and especially upon the Foreign Board, 
but chiefly on account of the political agitations of the country, a very 
trying one financially. Both the Secretaries had done an unusual 
amount of agency-work, and had voluntaiily relinquished a portion of 
their salaries.* Appropriations to the difierent missions had been cur- 
tailed, and some of the brethren under appointment had been detained for 
the present. But the Board had appointed Messrs. Ratclifie and White 
to the Yoruban mission, and Mr. J. William Jones to the Canton mis- 
sion. 

With the Canton mission the year had been one of unusual prosperity. 
Brethren Gaillard and Graves of that mission had baptized tJiirty-seven 
converts. All the native converts were " living consistent lives, and some 
of them were very active and zealous." Mr. Gaillard had averaged a 
sermon a day, and had for six months taught a class in theology, and 
both he and Mr. Graves had prepared " notes " on different parts of 
Scripture. Two men were preparing for the ministry, and the mission- 
aries were training the church to systematic contributions, not merely to 
pay current expenses, but to spread the gospel. On the whole, it was 
clear that on the Canton mission, which had been so long in gloom, a 
brighter day was beginning to dawn. 

The Shanghai mission, on the other hand, was still suffering from the 
troubles of the country. Only one had been baptized. Messrs. Holmes 
and Hartwell had gone to Shantang. 

The missionaries in Yoruba had been surrounded, all the year, by all 
the horrors of war, the details of which were appalling. Thousands 
upon thousands had been slain, and pestilence and disease had added 
their desolations. The chief seat of the conflict had been at Ijaye, where 
Brethren Phillips and Stone and Sister Stone were. Brother Stone had 
been for a short time a captive, but, besides this, the missionaries had 
suffered no harm, and had, by their attention to the sick and wounded, 
and to the children thrown on their hands, gained an influence over the 
natives which they could not have done in peaceful times. Mr. and 
Mrs. Harden had labored successfully at Lagos, which, though not in 
Yoruba, is considered by the Board as a part of the Yoruban mission ; 
and Mr. H. had baptized two, and Mrs. H. had taught a school of nine- 

* This fact is not stated in the report of the Board, but appears in the re- 
port of the committee on the course proper for the Foreign Mission Board " in 
the present crisis." 
22 



254 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

teen. Mr. Stone had continued alone at Awyaw, had baptized one, and 
regarded others as hopeful inquirers. Mr. Phillips contended that the 
advance had been great in the Yoruban niisvsion ; never before had the 
missionaries had such a hold on the people. The little flock at Ijaye, 
too, had remained firm under trials and persecutions. He also main- 
tained that labor in Yoruba by white missionaries was entirely practica- 
ble, and appealed solemnly and affectionately for such to go. 

The Board had abandoned the Brazilian mission. 

Mr. Rohrer and his wife had sailed for Japan. Receipts for the year, 
$32,826. 

In 1863 the Convention met in Augusta, Georgia. The very appear- 
ance of the minutes tells of war. The Board reported that the corre- 
spondence of the Board being limited, the senior Secretary was devoting 
some time to work among the soldiers, while Dr. Poindexter had re- 
tired to his farm, though still holding his oflfice ; that Mr. Ratcliffe, 
accepted missionary, had resigned ; and that the other four brethren 
under appointment were laboring in different positions, leaving it to the 
God of missions whether they should ever go to the heathen. 

The Canton mission had been sorely bereaved in the death of the de- 
voted and useful Gaillard. A terrible typhoon (or Chinese tornado) 
had passed over the city and neighborhood, killing ten thousand persons, 
and he had been crushed by the falling timbers of his house, and 
instantly killed. He had written to beg that if missionaries had to be 
recalled, he might be the last, though the least, and had declared his 
willingness to live on a very small sum. He had baptized quite a num- 
ber in the months preceding his death. Mrs. Gaillard was still at 
work among her own sex. Dr. Graves had commenced a new station at 
Shin-Hing, a large city — had performed much labor as a physician, at- 
tending more than three thousand patients, while he had also baptized 
several. Mr. Schilling had removed to Whampoa, and gratefully re- 
ported one convert, the first as the direct result of his ministry. These 
brethren had given up one-fifth of their salaries, and the compensation 
of the five native assistants had been reduced one-tenth. 

The Shanghai mission also had been the subject of sore trial. Dr. 
Barton had returned to America — in all probability, finally. Mr. Bond 
and his wife, who had sailed from New York on the 3d of August, 1860, 
in the Edwin Forrest, had perished at sea, the vessel having never been 
heard from. Mr. Holmes, who had established an out-station at Che-Foo, 
five hundred miles north of Shanghai, had met a tragic end, having, 
with Mr. Parker, an Episcopal missionary, been cruelly slain in the 
camp of the insurgents. Mrs. Holmes, like Mrs. Gaillard, was still 
laboring as a missionary among her own sex. Mr. Yates had written 
that no good was hoped for to the mission cause from the insurgent 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 255 

movement, and that it greatly interfered with the mission-work. He 
was acting as interpreter for the municipal council, and he and Mr. 
Crawford hoped, if necessary, to support themselves, without interfering 
with their preaching services. The foreign community had subscribed 
largely to rebuild the chapel which had been burnt, and the balance had 
been borrowed on the faith of the Board. The missionaries deplored 
the war in the United States, especially because it prevented the rein- 
forcement of the mission. During 1862 the Asiatic cholera had pre- 
vailed in Shanghai, cutting off not less than eighteen hundred for- 
eigners and thousands of the native population. At the new station, 
Tung-Chow, five hundred miles north of Shanghai, Mr. Hartwell had 
labored with encouraging success, having baptized several converts and 
instructed many inquirers. 

Mr. Eohrer and wife, who had sailed for the Japan mission in the 
Edwin Forrest, had met the same fate with Mr. and Mrs. Bond. Four 
Pedobaptist missionaries were also on board. 

In Yoruba a terrible war had continued to rage, desolating the country, 
but the prospect of its close was cheering. By the war the missionaries 
had been compelled to leave Ijaye, but Mr. Phillips and Mr. and Mrs. 
Stone had labored very successfully at Abbeokuta, twenty-five having 
been baptized, and they felt that a " great work of grace was going on." 
Mr. Phillips had taken a trip to England to recruit, and had returned to 
his post ; and Mr. and Mrs. Stone were then in England, expecting to 
return to this country. The missionaries spoke in high terms of the 
steadfastness and Christian character of the native converts. The latter 
would often assemble in the busiest part of the day to pray for the health 
of the missionaries. Mr. Eeid had not been heard from for some time. 
When heard from he was at Awyaw alone, but in better health and full 
of hope. Receipts for two years, $32,981. 

Here the war- curtain falls, and we have no more from our 
mission-stations till the Convention in Russelville, Kentucky, 
in May, 1866. 

A brief resum^ of the operations of the Board from the be- 
ginning of its existence to the Convention in 1863 may be 
interesting : 

China Mission. — Twenty-two missionaries had been appointed, most of 
them being married. Of these, five had fallen — viz., Clopton, James, 
Gaillard, Holmes, and Bond ; as also four missionaries' wives — viz., Mrs. 
Shuck, Mrs. James, Mrs. Whilden, and Mrs. Bond. Mr. Roberts had 
been dismissed. Eight had returned permanently to this country — viz., 



256 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYIX>R. 

Messrs. Tobey, Whilden, Johnson, Shuck, Pearcy, Cabaniss, Burton, and 
Miss Baker ; three had been prevented by the war from going out. Five 
missionaries remained upon the field — viz., Measrs. Yates, Crawford, 
Schilling, Hartwell, and Graves, all but the latter being married and 
their wives actively engaged. Mrs. Gaillard and Mrs. Holmes were also 
laboring as missionaries. Besides, several native assistants had been 
employed. Stations had been maintained all the time at Canton and 
Shanghai, and new ones had been established at Shin-Hing, Che-Foo, 
and Tung-Chow. Schools had been kept up, several chapels had been 
erected, the word of God and religious tracts had been scattered far and 
wide, and the missionaries had preached to tens of thousands in the in- 
terior of the empire. Considerably more than one hundred converts had 
been baptized, most of whom were holding out well, and in the judgment 
of the missionaries broad and deep foundations for future labor had been 
laid. 

Yoruban Mission. — Originated in 1849. Sixteen missionaries had been 
appointed, including Mr. Hardin, a colored man, at Lagos ; most of them 
being married. Of these, Messrs. Goodale and Dennard had died ; Mrs. 
Dennard, Mrs. Eeid, and Mrs. Phillips had also died. Two appointed 
as missionaries had been prevented from going out. Eight had returned 
permanently to this country, leaving Messrs. Hardin and Stone and their 
wives, and Messrs. Keid and Phillips, still identified with the mission. 
Stations had been maintained at Lagos, and, with more or less interrup- 
tion, at Abbeokuta, Ijaye, Ogbomishaw, and Awyaw. Though many 
disasters had been encountered, some fifty converts had been baptized, 
and the missionaries were sanguine of ultimate and enlarged success. 

A mission in Brazil had been commenced, and Mr. Bowen sent out ; 
but his health had broken down, and for that and other reasons the mis- 
sion had been abandoned. 

A mission in Japan had also been determined on, and Messrs. Toy, 
Johnson, and Rohrer had been appointed as missionaries. The two 
former had been prevented by the war from going out, and the last named 
had, with his companion, perished at sea. The mission had been aban- 
doned, at least for the time. 

OThe Liberian Mission. — This mission was established soon after the 
Board began operations. It was conducted by colored men, though two 
white ministers (Elders Ball and Kingdom) had gone out as special agents 
of the Board, and the latter had fallen a victim to the fever of the coun- 
try. Comparatively little mention has been made of this mission in the 
foregoing annals, because space did not permit details, and it was de- 
signed to present its history in a single view. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOE. 257 

Some twenty-four stations were maintained, twenty pastors and twenty- 
eix teachers being employed. There were about twelve hundred church 
members, and seven hundred pupils at the schools, while more than one 
thousand converts had been baptized. A most happy influence had been 
exerted by this mission, both upon the infant colony and upon the un- 
civilized natives within a few miles of the coast. 

Total receipts of the Board from its formation to the Convention in 
1863, $437,037. 

22* E 



CHAPTER XIV. 

THE period of 1861-65 was one that tried men's souls, and 
showed what manner of spirit they were of. It is therefore 
peculiarly interesting to observe how he whose life we are 
tracing felt and bore himself during that terrible period. 

To state his views and feelings and course seems to be less 
desirable than to let them be gathered from selections from his 
correspondence and diary. From these selections it will appear 
that while he, in the main, sympathized with his people and 
regarded the Southern cause as just, he never sunk the Chris- 
tian and the minister in the partisan. He always held his first 
allegiance to Jesus, and made it his supreme aim and business, 
amid the turmoils of the time, to walk with God, minister to 
the spiritual interests of his dying fellow-men, and labor for 
that cause which is indestructible and rides like a life-boat 
upon the billows of revolution and war. In the early months 
of the war the uncertainties of the times only multiplied his 
labors as Corresponding Secretary. Subsequently, when com- 
munication with the missionaries was almost cut off, and the 
Confederate currency became so depreciated as to be worth but 
little at home and still less in exchange with the outside world, 
while he continued to do what was possible in his office, he, 
with the approval of the Board, devoted much of his time to 
labor in the military camps and hospitals ; first as colporteur 
of the Virginia Sunday-school and Publication Board, and 
afterward, for nearly three years, as Confederate post-chaplain.* 
This last place he held not as a sinecure, nor for the sake of 
being connected with the government or army, but that he 

* Elder A. M. Poindexter, Associate Secretary from 1853-54-, early in the 
war withdrew from the active service of the Board. 
258 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 259 

might, to greater advantage, labor as a minister of the gospel 
for the spiritual welfare of the soldiers. In no perfunctory 
manner did he fulfill these new and trying duties, but, on the 
contrary, with all earnestness and zeal, limiting his labors only 
by his abilities ; and as considerable latitude was allowed him, 
while certain hospitals specially engaged his attention, he was 
accustomed to go, from time to time, to other points w^here, 
from peculiar circumstances, spiritual destitution existed. In 
all these labors he knew no man after the flesh, tenderly caring 
for Federal prisoners as well as Southern soldiers. 

As this volume attempts to give not only his life, but his 
" times," a few extracts will be presented not specially personal 
to himself, but as affording glimpses, at least, of the inner life 
of the Southern people, the desolations of the Southern land, 
and the stirring events of the war. 

Early in the war he resigned his pastorate of the Taylorsville 
church, which he had held about fourteen years. During that 
period the church had erected an excellent house of worship, 
and had not been without spiritual prosperity ; and though he 
had not been able to do what he might have done under other 
circumstances, he had left an enduring mark upon many 
minds — an impression indeed upon the community. As in the 
case of the Grace Street Church, he was, after the lapse of a 
few years, again invited to become their pastor — a fact which 
showed how strong was the hold he had on the confidence and 
affections of the people. 

Besides the troubles of the time, he was called to meet severe 
domestic affliction. Though his sons in the army were spared, 
his son-in-law, Kev. John L. Prichard, of Wilmington, North 
Carolina, who remained at his post during the prevalence of 
the yellow fever, fell a victim to the epidemic. Upon him 
then devolved the duty, peculiarly onerous at that period, of 
going to AYilmington, closing up the affairs of the deceased, 
and caring for the bereaved family. This duty he efficiently 
and tenderly performed, and from that time became the stay 
of his widowed daughter and a father to the six fatherless 
children. 



260 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

[From his Diary.] 

1861, January 4th. Psalm Ixxxv. 35. Fast-day, Taylorsville. This 
day was generally observed. Having been set apart by the President of 
the United States, there seems to be a general readiness to regard it. 
The congregation at Taylorsville was large and solemn. We are living 
in perilous times, the whole fabric of our confederated Union being 
likely to be broken to pieces. South Carolina has seceded, and other 
States are soon to follow. God alone can preserve us from ruin. May 
he have mercy upon us, and save us from these fearful calamities which 
threaten us ! 

5th. After a hard day's work left at night in the cars for Alexandria. 
It becomes necessary to go out visiting as many churches as possible, that 
in this sad condition of the country, when all the avenues of trade are 
obstructed and money for our Board is coming in slowly, means may be 
secured for the support of our beloved missionaries. We must not allow 
them to suffer. The Lord have mercy upon me, guiding me in my 
solemn work ! 

After a successful Sunday in Alexandria he goes over to 
AVashington on Monday, and in the Senate Chamber heard 
part of Mr. Toombs's speech. " It was impetuous and fiery, 
calling upon the Republican party to restore the peace of the 
country by a proper regard to the rights of the South." 

January 8th. Returned to Washington Weather unpleasant. Spent 
the day in making collections. Complaints are made of great scarcity 
of money in the present condition of the country. Great alarm is felt 
respecting the safety of the city, all fearing the influence of the mobo- 
cratic spirit. 

At night attended the meeting of E Street Church; addressed the 
people on missions. 

9th. The rain descending in torrents. Notwithstanding, attended to 
my work, calling upon sundry persons on behalf of the Board. Find it 
hard work to secure contributions. At night went over to Baltimore 
with the view of securing subscriptions already made. Much consterna- 
tion prevails both in Washington and Baltimore, not only in business 
circles, but also among families. 

11th. I found a good opportunity of addressing the students of Colum- 
bian College at eight o'clock A. m. Two of the young men are contem- 
plating the mission-work. Much interest is shown by the students in 
the cause of missions. Dined with Brother Yeatman, then went with 
him to the -Senate Chamber and heard Mr. Harlan of Iowa deliver a 
fiery, defiant speech. Left at seven p. m. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 261 

During February and March, he took a Southern tour. 

[From his Diary.] 

April 4th. I find the work of providing for the dispensation of the 
gospel to the heathen increasingly precious. I need, as one of the essen- 
tial qualifications for its right performance, a sincere, hearty sympathy 
for the woes of the earth, and the millions groaning beneath those woes. 
Especially do I need sympathy with Christ in the great design of his 
apj)earance among men. If I were only more like him, and breathed 
more of his spirit, I should go forth to my work with an unconquerable 
energy, and more might I expect the divine support and blessing. 

14th. 1 Cor. ii. 2. Taylorsville. Attended meeting at Junction. 
Afternoon, valedictory discourse. This day closes my labors with the 
church, having been with them, as a supply of the pulpit twice a 
month, for nearly fourteen years. 

August 14th. After performing my usual work at the mission-room, 
walked out to the hospital to visit the wounded of the Federal army, 
now under our care. It was an affecting sight. Every variety of 
wounds and every class of men passed before my view. Conversed 
with many, exhorting them to repentance and pointing to the only 
source of hope. 

[Letter to his Son in the Army. ] 

Richmond, August 18, 1861. 

My Dear C : Happy were we to receive yours, written last 

Monday. We were beginning to feel anxious to hear of your welfare, 
and so were many others in our city who have precious ones in your 
company and army. I am glad to know you are so well and cheerful. 
A glad heart and strong "will are well suited to bear up the body amid 
fatigue and toil and peril. We know you are in a perilous position, 
but rejoice in the confidence that God can be your shield, and that from 
all ills he can preserve you. To him we constantly commend you. It 
is my earnest wish and hope that you may be able to maintain unblem- 
ished your Christian character, and that your spiritual strength and 
efficiency, instead of being diminished, may be increased. In order 
to this make arrangements for the exercise of a good influence on 
others. Confer often with the pious of your company on experimental 
religion, and especially on the best methods of doing good to those 
around you. You may quietly bring to bear upon many a heart the 
power of gospel truth in the form of suggestion or exhortation. I am 
glad to hear you have prayer in your company. Aim to keep up these 
meetings for prayer in the camp. They will do good. Several compa- 
nies here have held such meetings 

Last Monday I visited the wounded Federal prisoners. That large 



262 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

building, the new almshouse, is nearly filled with them. It was an 
affecting sight. Some of the wounds are fearful. I conversed with 
twenty or thirty. All were ready to listen to me, and some freely 
declared that the kind treatment received was unexpected as it was 
undeserved. Some of them were very youthful. They begged me to 
come again, and to arrange to preach to them 

[To the Same.] 

Stauntox, February 27, 1862. 

Finding an opportunity of sending a line to you by private hand, I 
conclude to write at once. I have just heard that your regiment has 
left Winchester, and know not whether to be pleased with or to regret 
the movement. Obedience is one of the first lessons the soldier has to 
learn, and when the word of command is given to move his position it 
is not for him to say or to know whether it is for the better or worse. 
You can certainly form no judgment concerning the safety of one 
position rather than another, and if you could, as a good soldier it is 
not yours to choose. When duty calls it is yours to obey. God grant 
that in this, as in all things, you may meet his approving smile. I 
hope you may be enabled to appeal to him at all times for the rectitude 
of your course, and to cleave to him as your guide and Saviour. The 
trials of the camp are numerous and severe. God only can strengthen 
you to meet them. He has wonderfully sustained you hitherto amid 
all the hardships and exposures of the last ten months. Not only have 
you passed them unharmed, so far as the body is concerned, but I trust 
the same may be said of you spiritually, so that you can testify, " He 
hath kept my feet from falling, mine eyes from tears, and my soul from 
death." He will, I trust, still keep you 

You are making a serious sacrifice in educational matters, but I hope 
you will yet be able to finish a course of study, or, if not, that God 
will prepare you for some useful pursuit in life It is very pleas- 
ant to be with George and his dear family. I am also attending every 
day to the hospitals, visiting the sick. The same has been done at 
Culpeper. Should you remain at Manassas, I may spend a week or 
more in visiting your regiment as a colporteur. Can I do this with 

propriety ? 

[From his Diary.] 

1 862, IMay 30. Yesterday the General Association convened ; attend- 
ance small. Passed through the business, and at two o'clock P. M. 
adjourned. Never has such a meeting before occurred. Instead of 
hundreds gathered together as usual, but a few, perhaps not more than 
thirty-five, were here. How anxiously may all pray that this war may 
pass away! When, oh when, shall the people of God resume their 
accustomed labors for the spread of the gospel ? 



LIFE AND TIMES OP JAMES B. TAYLOR. 263 

31st. This has been a sad day in Richmond. Last night a most 
fearful thunder-storm occurred. It continued several hours, with almost 
unremitted and blinding flashes of lightning. Early this morning it 
was manifest that the long-expected battle was about to commence, 
twenty or thirty thousand of the Federal forces having crossed the 
Chickahominy Kiver. At one o'clock the roar of the artillery was 
heard in E,. It continued till dark, and for hours the wounded were 
being brought in. Several hundreds on our side were killed and 
wounded. 

Sunday, June 1st. Preached at Louisiana Hospital in the morning 
from Psalm xxxvii. ; in the afternoon at the same place from Hebrews 
iii. 8, 9. The battle has been raging all day; the wounded are still 
being brought in. All the cushions of the churches are given up to 
make beds for their use. O Lord, interpose in this struggle. Save the 
people of this city. 

2d. Spent this day at one of the hospitals, assisting in changing the 
clothes, washing the feet, bathing the wounds and the temples of the 
poor sufferers. 

3d. Still among the wounded ones. Closed the eyes of a noble-look- 
ing man, who after painful struggles rested in the slumber of death. 
At Seabrook warehouse found about six hundred cases. One of the 
sufferers, a Baptist youth, told me he thought his end was near, but he 
said, " I am not afraid — I am ready for heaven ; and what a change ! 
From war and bloodshed I shall go to the blessed rest of the skies." 

7th. Every day I have spent among the suffering wounded. I knelt 
between two men, one a Baptist and the other a backslider. They will 
both probably die. " I have wandered from God," said the backslider, 
"and that troubles me." One, a South Carolinian, I assisted in the 
agonies of death, and saw him pass away on yesterday. I have witnessed 
enough this week to melt the hardest heart. 

14th. The whole week spent among scenes of suffering at different hos- 
pitals. This evening a soldier, Mr. Fish, who has been at my house a 
week, died. He is from Warren county, Virginia. Saw also a Georgian 
die. 

15th. Preached from Isaiah Iv. at Camp Winder. Yesterday spent at 
Camp Winder, also this morning ; conversed with many. There are 
between two and three thousand here. Yesterday from this place twenty 
were buried. This morning saw twenty more, wrapped in their winding- 
sheet, in the dead-house 

September 27th. The meetings commenced about ten days ago at Camp 
Winder have been kept up every night, and about thirty conversions 
have taken place. Brother Gaines of South Carolina has done most of 
the preaching. 



264 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

28th. In the morning, Brother Walter of South Carolina preached at 
Camp W. ; in the afternoon, Brother Gaines, and I at night. At nine 
o'clock A. M. we held a conference meeting to receive candidates for 
baptism. At five o'clock p. m. I baptized three soldiers in the bath of 
the hospital. It has been a pleasant day to all. 

October 1st. Met the brethren of the Portsmouth Association at Sap- 
pony church, Sussex county. Out of forty-four churches, only eleven 
were represented, the rest being, or most of them, within the lines of the 
enemy. It furnishes a melancholy evidence of the terribleness of this 
war that so many of God's people should be prevented from assembling 
in their convocations as an associated body. Went home with Mrs. Ball. 

2d. Preached at Sappony church from Rev. xxi. 6. Delivered also 
an address before the Association on the subject of colportage, and an- 
other on missions. Though the number of delegates is small, all seem 
to be deeply interested. The meeting will not be in vain. Some state- 
ments were made showing the great suffering of many who are in Ports- 
mouth and Norfolk. 

November 18th. A letter received this morning confirms our appre- 
hensions. Our dear Mr. Prichard is no more. We learn that he left 
this world, so full of sin and sorrow, on Thursday night last, the 13th 
instant. I feel a painful loss in his death, and how great the trial to his 
family no estimate can be made. So loving was his spirit, so faithful was 
his whole life, that the churches and society will suffer beyond all com- 
putation. The Lord take his six children and the stricken mother under 
his special keeping ! May this sorrowful event be sanctified to my own 
good ! 

December 1st. Returned from Ashland this morning. Very busy all 

day arranging to leave for Wilmington with dear J , to adjust her 

affairs and to arrange for her removal to Richmond. This is indeed a 
melancholy duty. My daughter is left a widow with four little children, 
and two by Mr. P.'s former marriage, to care for. It will now be ray 
duty to take all under my special supervision. The Lord prepare me 
for this heavy responsibility ! 

3d. Left Richmond at three P. M. with daughter J for Wil- 
mington. We go on a sorrowful journey. Often have I gone to the 
South with the pleasure in view of seeing and being for a while in the 
family of my child. Her husband was a genial companion, and always 
met me with a smile when I entered his home. How many happy hours 
have I spent in his society ! I now go to his home to find it desolate. 

5th. Arrived at Wilmington at two A. M. Robert Prichard met us at 
the d^pot with a carriage, and soon we drove up to the house and met with 
Sister Lydia Prichard. She feels, as she may well do, the death of her 
brother. His house has been her home for years, and now she mourns 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 265 

as one wlio has lost her best earthly friend. I will strive to fill his 
place. The day busily occupied in arranging for the settlement of the 
estate. 

7th. Preached in Wilmington Baptist church from Lam. iii. 33. At 
night heard Mr. Terry, Episcopal minister. The cold is intense. The 
Itouses of worship open for the first time since the fever. This is a sad 
time. Everything reminds me of the dear departed one. All over the 
house I roam, as if expecting to meet him and to hear him, but all is 
cheerless and silent. His garments I see, and all the little mementoes of 
his presence, but he is gone. His library, his desk, his inkstand and pen, 
are all just as he left them. Dear, good man ! The more I see of his 
home, now left by him for ever, the more am I impressed with his ster- 
ling excellence of character. Everything here reminds me of his love 
of order. 

9th, Left Wilmington at eight o'clock p. m. for Charleston, for the pur- 
pose of arranging, if possible, for the transmission of funds to our mis- 
sionaries. 

10th. Missed the connection at Florence, and passed on to Columbia, 
where I spent the night. Saw Dr. Wilson^ and another gentleman for 
the purpose of consulting them on our missionary interests. 

1863, May 3d. Was called to-day to preach the funeral of Mrs. Bibb 
of Caroline county. As I was returning the cars were intercepted by a 
cavalry Federal force at Ashland, consisting of two hundred and seventy- 
four men. The soldiers on board were all patroled. I walked to Brother 
Woodfin's, and looked on as they proceeded to their work of destruction, 
burning the tenders and railroad. They left just before sundown, taking 
government mules and several negroes. 

4th. Left Ashland on foot. Found the road at diflferent points de- 
stroyed. Within nine miles of the city found three Federal cavalrymen 
conferring with two or three gentlemen on the question of surrender. 
Joined in urging the men to give themselves up. They gave up their 
fine horses and their arms, and soon were marched into Richmond. I 
reached home at three o'clock. Have walked to-day, without much in- 
convenience, about twenty miles. 

5th. This morning was to have left for the Convention which occurs at 
Augusta, but in consequence of the terrible battle which occurred at 
Chancellorsville on Sunday I did not esteem it my duty to be absent. 
Hundreds of wounded men are coming in, and our hospitals are filling 
up. I am constantly employed in visiting the wounded and the dying. 

June 16th. Started on a journey to the South on behalf of the Board, 
with the hope of securing permanent arrangements for sending money 
to the missionaries. 

* Secretary of the Presbyterian Board. 
23 



266 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

19th. Arrived at Charleston about daylight; could find access in none 
of the hotels — all full. Busy all day. 

20th. Very busy all day visiting the agents of importing companies, 
and hope to succeed in obtaining the forwarding of moneys to the mis- 
sionaries. At night left for Savannah. 

22d. Busy arranging fiscal matters for the Board. 

October 4th. Preached at Penitentiary at nine A. M. from Hebrews iii. 7. 
Second African Church at eleven A. m., Psalm cxix. 80. This has been a 
busy day. Spent part of the morning at the Penitentiary ; saw old Mr. 
B. Poor man I how much I pity him ! In a fit of passion he murdered 
a neighbor, and now, in his seventieth year, he is immured in a cell, and 
has yet four years to stay. I visited also the sick in the hospital. One 
man especially, who is quite low with consumption, has tsvo years to re- 
main, and never expects to see his wife and four children again. The 
congregation was large, and all the convicts deeply serious. Went after- 
ward to the Second African Church and preached to a large assembly. 
Dined at home. At four o'clock heard Brother Jeter ; then visited J. C, 
who is badly wounded, at Hospital No. 1, then visited Miss S., who is 
sick. Quite weary at night. 

8th. Visited again the sick man at the Penitentiary ; he has now hope 
in Christ. My last conversation was made a blessing to him. Then 
visited J. C. at the hospital. 

9th. Left home with wife for Mecklenburg county. Reached Colonel 
B.'s about night ; cordially welcomed. Spent the evening pleasantly in 
reviewing events which occurred forty years ago, when we were boys. 

13th. Went to Brother B.'s and spent most of the day ; at night went 
to Mr. S.'s. Walked over to the old homestead, where many of my 
boyish days were spent. Every vestige of the building is gone but por- 
tions of the chimneys. A large walnut tree is growing at the spot, in all 
probability sprung from a walnut deposited by me when a boy. How I 
should like to know the history of that tree ! 

15th. Came as far as the house of IVIrs. Burrill. Found this mother 
in Israel still alive, she being about eighty years old. It is about thirty- 
eight years since I^-was at her house. The evening agreeably spent in 
conversation. How good the Lord has been to me ! I would love and 
adore and serve him. 

1864, April. Fast-day. Came to Fredericksburg last evening, and 
preached for the people of this desolated town. No minister now lives 
here. Almost every home bears the marks of the terrible bombardment 
of December, 1862. Many lost their all. Those now here are literally 
pilgrims, not knowing when they may again be driven from their homes. 

" I would rather die and go to hell than to die and leave my children 
poor." This was the statement of a maii who lived and died without 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B.TAYLOR. 267 

hope in Christ. Horrible sentiment! And yet how many practically 
make this declaration ! — many who would shudder to express it with the 
lips. 

[To his Son in Staunton.] 

December 24, 1864. 

.... Richmond is all astir with the holiday excitement. Notwith- 
standing the condition of the times, I find no gloomy faces or despondent 
hearts. Prices are fabulously high, but everybody has money. Yester- 
day I saw a plainly-dressed man give fifty dollars for a moderate-sized 
turkey for his Christmas dinner. Here and there one may be found who 
is fearing the result of Sherman's and Butler's movements, but most of 
the people are ready to look for ultimate success. Eespecting Hood, all 
yet seems involved in obscurity, though in all probability his arrange- 
ments will prove a failure. 

The children concluded to anticipate the usual Christmas festivities, 
and now the tree is loaded with all sorts of presents, mutually made. It 
is quite brilliant, and all the little ones are wild with delight. Several 
of the neighbors are in, sharing with them in their pleasure. 

.... Specie is now selling at fifty dollars, and the rates of everything 
are in proportion. Sugar from fifteen to eighteen dollars, coflfee from 
twenty to twenty-five dollars, and so of other articles. 

The condition of things in the military world is depressing, but I sup- 
pose not more so than at other periods of the war The coming 

spring will greatly intensify the spirit of hostility, and almost superhu- 
man efibrts will be put forth to secure possession of our city. I wish, 
however, in the midst of these calamities, to look up, confiding in the 
care and kindness of our heavenly Father. It is very probable when the 
war ends all my little accumulations will have melted away, but in that 
event have I not reason to confide in him ? He has taken care of me 
thus far, and will he not still feed and clothe me and mine ? . . . . 

[To his Wife.] 

Augusta, Georgia, January 2S, 1865. 
I am thankful to say my journey thus far has been without occurrences 
of a painful character, though not without some discomfort. M.j letter 
from Wilmington informed you of the unpleasantness of the weather, 
roads, etc. For three days after I left home the whole exterior world 
was wrapped in gloom, fit emblem of the times, and it required the full 
force of reason and faith to resist the tendency to melancholy feeling. 
The only relief to the scene was the drapery, ever- varying and almost 
fantastic, with which Nature was arrayed in icicles pendent on every 
limb. Sometimes the forests were absolutely resplendent with these icy 
gems. But soon the crashing of falling limbs and trees was heard, and 



268 LIFE AND TIxMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

along tlie whole line of the road the destruction of the orchards and 
woods was beyond anything I recollect ever to have seen. My first four 
nights were uncomfortably spent at depots or at dirty hotels. At Wil- 
mington, retiring after midnight, I paid fifteen dollars for a little rest 

I walked over the shelled portion of Charleston, extending over acres 
of deserted streets. It was a spectacle of melancholy grandeur. Palatial 
residences, splendid mercantile houses, churches once thronged with 
worshiping assemblies, are all torn to pieces by shells or burned to ashes, 
while the streets, grown up with weeds and grass, exhibit scarcely a pas- 
senger, and he rapidly treads his way, as if afraid of his own footsteps or 
of falling bricks from the crumbling walls. The very heart of the city is 
now a dreary desolation, having not a solitary family, and scarcely a house 
remains without some mark of the terrible bombardment. The upper 
part of the city is filled with the present resident population, consisting 
principally of Jews, free negroes, and poor families. It is by no means a 
pleasant sojourn which the traveler may make as for a day he remains 
for business purposes. 

Yesterday I came to this place; am now in the home of Bro- 
ther W., and recreating in the pleasant employment of corresponding 
with those I love at home. I have arranged to preach to-morrow and 
plead our cause. About the future of my journey I cannot yet say, but 
if the way is open I shall probably go on to Alabama. My plans re- 
lating to Lower South Carolina, where I expected to secure large dona- 
tions, are all disappointed, as the people are fleeing from the advancing 
columns of Sherman's army. As I am here, and may not probably 
come South again this spring, you will not be surprised if I am away 
several weeks, especially if I go to Alabama. However, all the future is 
uncertain. We literally know not what a day may bring forth, and can 
form but few plans beyond the present hour 

Augusta has been visited by a terrible scourge in the form of a deso- 
lating flood. The principal streets were submerged from two to five feet, 
and for two days the only passing was in boats from house to house. 

Great excitement prevails in reference to the expected visit of Sher- 
man. Hardly any one is willing to sell his goods, but few provisions are 
coming to market for fear of the impressing agents, and the people are 
apprehensive of real sufiering. W^ood is one hundred and fifty to two 
hundred dollars a cord, and the weather for nearly a week has been un- 
usually cold. My fingers are almost benumbed, even with a fire in the 
room. 

Saturday, p. M. Since the above was written startling rumors are afloat. 
It is said that Sherman with his army is forty miles this side of Savan- 
nah, on the Georgia side of the river, advancing as if he were coming to 
this city. The terror-stricken people are leaving their homes, driving 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 269 

their cattle through this city to some place of safety- It is probable that 
all the forsaken homes, many of them tasteful and beautiful, will be 
utterly destroyed. 'No regard will be paid to the usages of war, as Sher- 
man has said he could not, if he would, restrain his men from laying 
waste everything in South Carolina. May God have mercy upon the 
people! .... 

[From his Diary.] 

1865, April 2d, Sunday. Preached at Ashland, and in the afternoon 
went out to the home of a brother in the country. Just before night a 
rumor reached us that Petersburg had been taken and that Richmond 
was likely to be evacuated. 

3d. Upon going to Ashland found the cars from Richmond bringing 
large numbers of families, fleeing from the Federal army. The evacu- 
ation of the city was certain, and even at this distance the blowing up of 
magazines was heard. All was apprehension and distress. I could not 
but feel a deep concern for my family, not knowing what might be the 
condition of things at my own beloved home. About nine o'clock I took 
the cars for R. Long before reaching the city, the dark, rolling clouds 
of smoke and the sound of bursting shells too fearfully told of the de- 
struction which was going on. Upon reaching the suburbs, as the train 
slowly approached, we saw the blue uniform of the soldiers already posted 
in the fields, showing that the city had fallen. Having assisted some 
ladies out of the cars, I hastened home, and was happy to find all safe. 
But deep was my grief to find my beautiful city in flames, and all over 
her streets advancing troops, and excited crowds telling the sad story of 
the ruin which had overtaken us. 
23* 



CPIAPTER XV. 

AT the beginning of the war all the operations of the For- 
eign Mission Board had reached a high degree of effi 
cieucy. The various stations were well manned ; new posts 
were about to be established ; a band of choice men were 
under appointment, and others were offering themselves ; a 
new spirit of liberality had become manifest, and the two 
Secretaries felt that the denomination would respond to almost 
any appeal which the Board would make to them. A crisis 
had been reached, and a new career had been commenced. 
As we have seen, the war put a period to this progress. Its 
close left the Southern people pecuniarily paralyzed, and un- 
certain and hopeless as to the future. But the evangelization 
of the world was not to be relinquished on account of any 
political revolutions or outward discouragements, and imme- 
diately the Board resumed vigorously its long-interrupted 
work. The raising of the curtain disclosed two facts : first, 
that the missionaries, toiling under such discouragements and 
suffering many privations, had not been without tokens of the 
divine favor, the missions having enjoyed much prosperity; 
second, that notwithstanding the unprecedented and most 
praiseworthy liberality of Maryland and Kentucky, and the 
labors and sacrifices of the missionaries, a debt of about ten 
thousand dollars had been incurred. To pay this debt, and 
at the same time support and reinforce the missions, was the 
heavy task which the Secretary, now single-handed, assumed. 
With all the hopefulness and zeal of his earlier days he ad- 
dressed himself to this work, which might have discouraged 
one less accustomed to labor amid discouragement and diflol- 
culty. He believed the South had a future, and that it was 
the part of God's people patiently to build up the waste places 
of Zion, and lay again, as far as needful, the foundations which 
270 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 271 

the war had destroyed. At first, Maryland, Kentucky, and 
Missouri were the fields that he most relied on, and liberally 
did they respond. In the Southern States, and especially the 
cotton States, little could be done. There was a great dearth 
of money and much sufiering, and many felt that there was 
an impropriety in asking a people so shorn of their possessions 
and so needing help themselves, as regards both their temporal 
and spiritual interests, to support and propagate the gospel in 
distant and heathen lands. But he saw that even in this dis- 
tress, gifts to foreign missions would be the surest road to 
prosperity, and ceased not his appeals even to churches and 
regions the most stricken, citing the example of those primi- 
tive saints whose deep poverty had abounded unto the riches 
of their liberality. Nor were these appeals in vain. From 
the impoverished, rills tiny but numerous began to pour into 
the treasury,* and ever since the war a larger number of 
persons than ever before have given, though in small sums, 
to this cause. He still took long journeys, especially to the 
more prosperous States, but more than before relied on letters 
addressed to individuals ; and touching were the replies he 
often received accompanying a widow's mite ofiered in prayer 
and love and faith, while he in turn never failed to acknow- 
ledge these gifts with commendation and expression of the 
personal pleasure they gave him. Thus was the debt paid, 
the missions were sustained, and the work of enlargement was 
begun, f But he did not accomplish all that he desired, and. 

* The Report of the Board to the Convention meeting in Memphis in 1867 
uses this language : " Never before in our whole history as a Board have we 
known so many cheering instances of self-sacrificing devotion to the cause 
of foreign missions as during the past year. Many churches and individuals 
who never before were interested in this work have, with no little inconveni- 
ence to themselves, sent up their contributions," The Board, however, also 
gratefully acknowledge very large donations from a few individuals. 

"f" The Convention which met at Russelville in 1866 requested the Board to 
consider the expediency of securing the return of Rev. A. M. Poindexter to 
his position as Associate Secretary. The Board conferred the appointment 
upon Dr. Poindexter, but, having been called to the work of endowing Rich- 
mond College, he declined to re-enter their sei-vice. In their report to the Con- 
vention at Memphis they use this language : " The failure [to secure Dr. Poin- 



272 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

to the very day of his death he was pressing upon the Board 
and the denomination, expansion, and longing to see greater 
devotion and liberality in the great work of giving the gospel 
to a perishing world. 

The period immediately succeeding the war was almost as 
trying to Christian temper as that of the war itself. Much 
occurred, when men met who had widely differed on that 
subject, to evoke bitterness of feeling and expression. It is 
not too much to say that under these difficult circumstances 
he bore himself as a follower of Jesus Christ. Having hon- 
estly believed in the right of the Southern people to establish 
a government of their own and to manage their own affairs in 
their own way, he had no repentance to profess, no confessions 
to offer to his brethren of the North ; but, on the other hand, 
he calmly accepted the decision of Providence, promptly gave 
in his allegiance to the restored Federal authority, and was 
prepared to do his whole duty to the government. Moreover, 
conscious of his own sincerity in the past, he was not disposed 
to question the motives of his brethren on the other side, and 
was willing to extend the hand of fellowship to those who 
could be as charitable as he. Organic union between the two 
sections in missionary operations he did not desire. Personally, 
he could have entered into it, but he was sure the great body 
of Baptists, North and South, were not ripe for it, and the 
ripening process could not be hastened by forcing ; while, be- 
sides, he had serious doubts whether such union was expedient, 
even were there no obstacles to it. He met, after the war, 
many old friends who felt as he did on these questions, with 
whom he exchanged kindly greetings. Cordial letters came 

dexter as Associate] has devolved upon the Corresponding Secretary of the 
Board an immense work. With no assistance at the rooms except such as his 
own family could give, he has been compelled to conduct the whole corre- 
spondence at home and abroad, and to meet all the pecuniary demands upon the 
Board. Never before has he found the pressure upon his time and thought 
so heavy." In 1868 the Report, after referring to the financial depression of 
the South, states that " almost all the funds which have come into the treasury 
were in response to direct appeals from the Corresponding Secretary." 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 273 

from such friends as Stow, Babcock, and Backus. Others had 
become alienated from him, * and some who did not know him 
were not slow to say and do things in his presence which 
might show their abhorrence of the course pursued by him 
and his associates at the South. All this pained him, but he 
in patience possessed his soul, committing himself and the 
question at issue to him that judgeth righteously, uttering no 
language of angry recrimination, but, as occasion demanded, 
speaking or writing words of calm and manly defence of him- 
self and his people against charges in a few instances proceed- 
ing from other causes, but more often the result of ignorance 
and misapprehension. These words, spoken and written, and 
still more his personal bearing, tended much, as I have the 
evidence before me to show, to bring about that better under- 
standing and feeling which — God be thanked ! — now prevails, 
and is destined to be perfected, between the two sections. 
Many of his articles at this time were published in the widely- 
circulated papers of the North, and spoke for themselves. I 
do not refer to them in detail now, for the issues have for the 
most part passed away, and they are alluded to only as illus- 
trating his character and course under circumstances the most 
trying. Some brethren at the North met him for the first 
time in the exciting period just after the war, and were deeply 
impressed by his mien and spirit. Horatio Gates Jones, Esq., 
of Philadelphia, writes: "I enclose you two letters written 
some years since by your esteemed father to Dr. Babcock, 
my father-in-law. You will see that he then suggested the 
propriety of our Publication Society issuing a Baptist hymn- 
book. I met your father soon after the close of the war, in 
this city, and was so impressed with his lovely spirit and his 

* One of the sorest trials of his life was the alienation of feeling entertained 
by his old and dearly-loved friend whose name has so often occurred on these 
pages — ^William Crane, Mr. Crane warmly sympathized with the North 
during the struggle, and after it was over he could not feel reconciled to the 
course pursued by his quondam brethren of the South. While his opinions on 
the subject remained essentially unchanged, his feelings were much softened 
before his death. No doubt he and the pastor of his early years have ere 
this lovingly greeted each other in the heavenly world. 

S 



274 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

geDtle Christian manners that I invited him to dine with me, 
and I shall never forget the interview." 

The following extracts are from a letter written to him by 
Dr. Stow of Boston, January 3, 1866. It is gratifying for the 
kindly spirit it breathes, interesting as predicting what has 
since been largely realized, and very instructive as to the 
proper means of bringing about a true union between Northern 
and Southern Baptists. It shows also the pleasing fraternal 
relations subsisting between two men who, differing on many 
questions, were alike in their love for Christ and his cause : 

I am truly glad, my brother, to hear from you. Hundreds of times 
during our unhappy conflict I have thought of you as I once knew and 
loved you, and wished I could see you and fraternally talk over our 
national affairs. Very likely we should have differed in our views upon 
many points, but I felt assured that I could converse calmly with such as 
yourself and Brother Ryland. Alas! how closed was the door against 
all interchange of fraternal feeling ! 

You gladden my heart by what you say in your first paragraph ex- 
pressive of a wish that a better feeling may prevail between the South 
and the North, and especially by what you say of " indications " favor- 
able to such a result. 

The great mistake on the part of some well-meaning men has been a 
hasty attempt at overtures for a reconciliation. My confidence has been, 
and still is, that the Christian spirit will yet bring us together in restored 
affection and harmony. But these peace-makers have seemed to forget 
that such a degree of exasperation could not be expected to subside at 
once. It must require time and much calm thoughtfulness and prayer to 
heal so wide a breach and bring alienated hearts into affectionate concord. 
There must be patient forbearance on both sides ; and the process of re- 
union will have commenced when there shall be a quiet abstinence from 
irritating words and from all unauthorized proposals of the terms of 
peace. You and I may not live to see the consummation of our wishes, 
but I cannot doubt that a few years will bring about great changes of 
feeling. Already I see at the North an immense change that promLses 
good. It goes on silently, and will continue working in the Christian 
masses, and in due time put matters in a hopeful shape, so that some 
concerted movement can wisely be made toward a recementing of the 
ruptured bonds. Let me fraternally ask of you two things: 1. That you 
will not misjudge the disposition of your Northern brethren by taking 
the noisy utterances of extremists as indicative of the prevailing spirit ; 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 275 

2. That you will use your whole influence to persuade your Southern 
brethren not to misjudge us, as I fear many of them do. Let us " study 
the things that make for peace, and things whereby one may edify 
another." We are still widely apart, and can be brought together by no 
forcing process. The nearer we get to Christ, the nearer shall we come 
to all who resemble him. You may soon hear from me again. 

With affectionate esteem, Baeon Stow. 

Soon after the war the white Baptists of Virginia, who had 
always been interested and active in labors for the spiritual 
welfare of the colored race — a fact attested by the large number 
of colored Baptist communicants — attempted, under the altered 
condition of things, to do what might still be practicable in the 
same direction. Early in the summer of 1865 the State Mission 
Board of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, carrying 
out the instructions of that body, appointed a standing com- 
mittee to promote the religious instruction of that race. Of 
this committee Mr. Taylor was a member, and was deputed by 
them to confer with the Secretary of the Freedmen's Bureau 
as to the practicability and expediency of co-operation between 
the Bureau and the committee in improving the condition of 
the freedmen, and to oifer any aid in their power toward this 
object. This duty he performed both by correspondence and 
by personal interviews with the Federal authorities, the over- 
tures of the committee being received in the spirit in which 
they were made. Precisely what was accomplished cannot be 
stated, but the efforts of white Baptists in Virginia since, in 
the same direction, have steadily continued, and have not been 
without a blessing. 

[Letter to one of his Sons.] 

Richmond, December 16, 1868. 
.... I have been sympathizingly interested in the reference you make 
to your preaching experience, as it has been, in many respects, my own. 
I have loved the work, but have always been tormented by a strange 
timidity, a shrinking from the gaze of critical observation, and the appre- 
hension that I should fail to present my thoughts in anyway correspond- 
ent to the importance of the subject. It is likely the same experience 
would have been realized in the practice of law or in political life. The 
more I have sought simply to do good and to recognize my auditory as 



276 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

in a fallen condition and needing divine help, and especially when the 
wondrous adaptation of the gospel to human exigency has been felt, have 
I been relieved of the discomfort of jjublic labors. Indeed, in not a few 
instances have 1 found absohite enjoyment in preaching under this in- 
fluence. 

At this period, looking forward to the resignation of his office 
as soon as the affairs of the Board should be placed upon a 
satisfactory basis, and expecting to devote himself to certain 
literary work, mainly of a historical character, he also pro- 
jected a periodical publication somewhat similar to the Baptist 
Memorial, with a view especially to the collection and preser- 
vation of material for denominational history. This enterprise 
he was prevented from carrying out. But his plan and the 
deep interest he took in it were very characteristic of him. 

[To one of his Daughters.] 

Chicago, April 6, 1868. 

I must write a line to let all at home know that I am well and doing 
well, so far as health is concerned. Yesterday I preached twice, and ad- 
dressed a Sunday-school, as well as administered the Lord's Supper 
having been at different extremes of the city during the day. In the 
morning, for instance, 1 rode on a street-car four miles to look in at a 
Sunday-school with eight hundred children ; then walked a mile to an- 
other car, and rode one mile and a half and preached ; took dinner with 
the pastor, Brother Wren ; afterward attended his Sunday-school — attend- 
ance, seven hundred and ninety ; then went into a German Sunday-school, 
where all the singing, reading, speaking, etc. is in the German language; 
attendance, three hundred. After an early tea took two sets of cars and 
rode three miles in another direction, preached to a large and interesting 
congregation, administered the Supper, then walked nearly a mile, took 
the car, and came to my lodging. After the sermon last night a Spirit- 
ualist arose in the congregation and inquired if I was willing he should 
ask me a question. I told him. Certainly. He then turned and began 
to address the congregation, but when I interrupted him, informing him 
that it was no time or place for a discussion, he sat down. 

I have received no other than the kindest attentions from the Baptists 
whom I have seen here, and have accepted two or three invitations to 
meals. Nor have I heard anything offensive in regard to the South. 
Indeed, the people seem too much absorbed in building up their city and 
attending to their business interests to talk on the subject of politics. The 
go-aheadative spirit is predominant. 



LIFE AND TIMES OP JAMES B. TAYLOR. 277 

I see the death of Brother Howell announced. How time passes ! It 
Beems but yesterday since, in 1827, I saw him, a tall, spare-made youth, 
in homespun clothing, on his way to the Columbian College. 

[From his Diary.] 

1866, January 1st. Have been deeply affected in hearing of the death 
of my esteemed brother, Kichard Gwathmey, who was taken from this 
sorrowful world this morning. I have known him well and loved him 
tenderly for nearly forty years. He was a good man. May the all- 
gracious One comfort his excellent wife, and guide and keep all his 
children ! 

How poor a thing is the resolution of a frail mortal ! and yet I would 
humbly desire on this, the first day of the new year, to be a more devoted 
servant of the Lord Jesus — to fill up this year with acts of obedience to 
him, hoping in the all-cleansing efi^icacy of his blood. God alone can 
keep me from the pollution and power of sin. I seek his interposition. 
The past year was truly eventful ; 1 cannot forget it. May I never cease 
to remember the divine goodness to me and mine ! My children all 
preserved, and my dear companion, amid all the dangers of the war. 

April 20th. Was rejoiced to-day to learn that our step-grandson, Eobert 
Prichard, is interested in the great interests of his soul. How happy 
would his now sainted father have been to see the penitential tears of his 
first-born son ! And may he not even now know and rejoice over this 
event ? The Lord bless the youth, and lead him in the right way ! 

21st. Robert comes home this morning rejoicing in a found Saviour. 
Have had a free conversation with him, and find his views of the plan of 
salvation definite and clear. May his path be like the shining light, 
which shines more and more unto the perfect day ! * 

May 7th. I have been reading the life of General Thomas J. Jackson, 
by Dr. Dabney. It is a life which may be studied with profit. Not only are 
his marvelous capacities as a military chieftain brought out with fidelity 
to truth, but his strong moral character and humble, earnest piety are 
clearly delineated. There is perhaps in all these respects a natural tend- 
ency in the author's mind to give the portraiture of his friend free from 
the blemishes w^hich might in any degree mar the beauty of the picture. 
In the hands of Dr. Dabney the life of Jackson is almost faultless. I 
should have been glad to see more of what might be called his idiosyn- 
crasies as I have heard them stated by those who knew him well. It is, 
however, a noble tribute to a noble man which is furnished by the author, 
and an able defence of a noble cause. The chapter on the causes which 

* Robert was in 1870 appointed missionary to China, but soon after fell into 
a decline, and died a few weeks after hia grandfather. 
24 



278 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

led to the secession of the Southern States is a fair statement of tlie ques- 
tion, and the Southern people are well defended in the position they 
occupied. 

13th. Psalm xxxvii. 37. Taylorsville. Preached to-day the funeral 
of Brother M. Winston, pastor of the church, by special request. This 
good man has been cut off in the midst of his days. His death was the 
result of a cold taken when marched on foot five days and nights from 
his own quiet home to Fortress Monroe. He was there cruelly im- 
prisoned several months. 

During this month he attended the meeting of the Southern 
Baptist Convention at Russelville, the first after the war. He 
refers to it as " a happy greeting of long-separated friends," 
while he found " the deliberations pleasant." The summer and 
fall were marked by repeated attacks of severe sickness, caused 
for the most part by labors beyond his strength, but which the 
interests of his work seemed to him to render necessary. In 
October he was called again to the pastorate of the Taylorsville 
church, to which he had so long ministered, but was constrained 
to decline the invitation. " It would have been," he says in his 
diary, " in many respects pleasant to preach the word to this 
people, but a fear of entrenching on the duty I owe to the 
Foreign Mission Board inclines me to the course I have this 
day adopted." 

1868, January 2d. To-day engaged in writing letters. I am feeling 
deeply concerned about our missions. The universal poverty of our 
people is affecting our receipts. We must soon increase our forces in the 
foreign field, or the stations will go down. Lord, find the men and the 
means to sustain them ! Thou art the Lord of the harvest. It is with 
thee to send forth laborers. Let me be led to use the proper means for 
securing suitable men ! I wish to be more devoted in the great work I 
am required to superintend. The work of spreading the gospel occupies 
but a small place in the regard of the Lord's people. It would seem that 
its diffusion would be an object of so much importance in their esteem 
that they would think and pray and give on this behalf, not merely as a 
duty, but as one of the highest privileges. If Jesus and his salvation are 
precious to the heart, surely to make them known to others will be a 
constant endeavor. 

4th. Have been very busy all day. The letters written, I trust, will 
avail in promoting the cause of missions. If every Baptist will only give 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 279 

a small amount annually, all the objects contemplated by the Board 
would be met. I am seeking a more direct co-operation on the part of 
the Baptists of the South. 

5th. Psalm Ixxii., Manchester. At night addressed the concert of 
prayer at Grace Street ; congregation large. Have arranged to-day for 
the observance of the concert of prayer by all the churches of the city. 
This meeting has been neglected by most of them since the war. If God 
be not sought by his people, how can we expect his blessing ? I long to 
see the churches interested in the work. 

12th. Meeting of Trustees of Eichmond Ck)llege at Dr. Steel's. Finan- 
cial condition of institution somewhat embarrassed; debt about five 
thousand dollars. Great caution and economy requisite. I am placed 
as chairman of a committee to look into our affairs, and to recommend 
appropriate remedies. 

March 31st. Arrived at Chicago at eight o'clock this morning, having 
traveled all night. Proceeded at once to the object of my visit, seeking 
the sale of lots belonging to Pichmond College. Called on Dr. Evarts. 
Engaged lodgings and made arrangements for board during the time I 
r.emain here. 

April 5th, Sunday. Matthew xi. 28, 29, at the North Star Mission ; 
Brother Wren, pastor. Addressed the Sunday-school in the afternoon, 
and heard Dr. Jeffreys preach. At night preached at Fifth Church, 
Chicago. Peturned to my lonely lodgings weary and worn. 

7th. Left Chicago at night, expecting to travel all night. Though I 
have failed thus far to sell the lots belonging to Pichmond College, have 
made such arrangements as will lead, I think, to this result.* 

The next entry is interesting in connection with the fact that 
he and Elder Allen left this world for their heavenly home on 
the same day. It is not improbable, as was suggested by the 
editor of the Herald, that together they may have made their 
journey to the shining shore. 

Saturday, May 30th. Left home to attend ministers' and deacons' meet- 
ing at Trinity Church, in Louisa county. Met quite a number of breth- 
ren and mingled in the discussions. "Went at night with Brother L. W. 
Allen to Mrs. Mansfield's. It was truly pleasant to spend a little time 
with Brother A., whom I have known for so many years. Sunday, made 
several addresses on subjects connected with the cause of Christ, but 
especially with reference to missions. Collections divided between for- 
eign and State missions. 

* This was subsequently effected as the result of Ms eflforts. 



280 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

August 4th. After a very busy day left home at night for Missouri. I 
find these long journeys more and more undesirable, but duty seems to 
demand them. I tear myself away from those I love because the work 
of the Lord seems to require it. I am profoundly impressed by the 
thought and conviction that come over me that my life has been too 
ILstless in respect to the cause and glory of Jesus. I have not, in the true 
sense of the word, been living for Christ. I am ashamed of mysel£ 
Before God I would be humbled in the very dust, and I feel like crying 
to him for help to rise superior to this world and its poor dying vanities. 
I want to be a new man — renewed day by day, brought up to a new lif«i 
with Christ, so that I may say, Christ liveth in me. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

rpHE three closing years of his life were characterized by an 
J- undiminished activity, despite frequent attacks of painful 
sickness. Indeed, these last, while in a measure unfitting him 
for severe toil, seemed to stimulate him to redoubled earnest- 
ness, that he might " finish his work " and leave " nothing un- 
done." This period, though not marked off" by any sharp lines 
from the years preceding, was one of growth in spirituality and 
meetness for heaven. At the same time, while realizing the 
probability of his early decease, and quite ready for it, he re- 
tained to the very last his love of life and interest and enjoy- 
ment in those earthly matters that had concerned him, thus 
illustrating the apostle's statement, that "all things" belong 
to the child of God. His decline was gradual and protracted, 
and he worked, dictating letters, getting out the Journal, and 
conferring with a committee of the Board, till he was in a 
dying condition. As, therefore, his life seemed to merge into 
death, so it has seemed good to make this chapter follow him 
through the last three years, even unto the end. 

One thing was to him a subject of peculiar joy and grati- 
tude — that, though he was failing, the cause to which he had 
been for a quarter of a century devoted was advancing to a 
higher prosperity ; and his heart was cheered by the assurance 
that, though he might not see it, a brighter day was dawning — 
a day of greater liberality and prayerfulness— a day when 
more men should go out to evangelize the heathen, and Pente- 
costal scenes should be again witnessed. Especially did he 
rejoice in the establishment and success of the Italian mission, 
and indulge glowing hopes of the diffusion of a pure Chris- 
tianity in that priest-ridden land. 

24* ' 28X 



282 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

The summer of 1869 found him broken down by excessive 
labors, and he was constrained unwillingly to seek rest in the 
mountains. Most of his time was spent at the Greenbrier White 
Sulphur Springs, where he was the honored guest of the 
brothers Peyton, who, with their families, left no means un- 
tried to promote his comfort. While here he carried on his 
correspondence for the Board, and paid visits of a pastoral 
character to those who were sick. 

[Extracts from his Letters.] 

White Sulphur, July 28, 1869. 
.... An arrival here at night gives one an idea of the magnificence 
and beauty of the place which is not had by day. The buildings appear 
like so many little palaces, while the lamps scattered all over the grounds 
lend a brilliancy to the scene quite enchanting. The place is, however, 
beautiful by daylight. This valley was called Paradise before it became 
a place of public resort. Lying as it does, it seems formed for the ara- 
phitheatrical arrangement of the buildings and the spring. The circuit- 
ous roads and walks, passing in every direction, serve to increase the 
effect of the scene. The principal building, or hotel, contains a huge 
dining-room, capable of accommodating more than one thousand persons, 
also the ball-room, parlor, and a large number of lodging-rooms. Quite 
a variety, in style and size, is seen in the cottages for the guests. There 
are now here, I understand, about eight hundred persons. I hardly rec- 
ognize a face. Poor Richmond is able to send very few. Most are from 
Baltimore and the Northern cities. I have seen Dr. Sears in the distance. 

[To Ms Daughter.] 

White Sulphur, July 29, 1869. 
Dear Mary: .... I can hardly imagine that one so unworthy 
should be so much missed as you represent me to be ; and yet it is a 
pleasure to know that life, all along the past forty years, has been the 
happier by reason of a sincere desire and endeavor to contribute to the 
happiness of the beloved home-circle. The consciousness of such a desire 
and endeavor I hope to be able ever to cherish. Certainly no one has 
more reason to be grateful than I in the retrospect of the past. Perhaps 
no family can rejoice in more of mutual love than ours. My wedded life 
has been a happy one, and I have been happy in my children. The only 
abatement to this happiness I have found in myself; or at least I can rec- 
ognize much imperfection in myself, marring the joy which it was mine 
to cherish. That your dear mother should have been spared, that all 
my children are loving and good, and especially that all are lovere of 



I.IFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOE. 283 

Jesus, — tliis surely is enough to make the heart overflow with grateful 
emotion and to render me a happy man. 

I have had a pleasant intervieAV with Dr. Sears, and he called my 
attention to the presence of a Brother Bolles of Hartford, a nephew 
of old Dr. Lucius Bolles. Upon inquiry I found his room in the build- 
ing I occupy, and called upon him. I found him unwell and lying on 
the bed. He seemed really glad to see me, and conversed with all the 
sweetness and softness peculiar to his venerated relative. Your mother 
can tell you all about him. I am sorry he will leave to-morrow morn- 
ing. I have quite fallen in love with him. 

I was present yesterday at the meeting for presenting to Mr. Peabody 
a series of resolutions expressive of Southern feeling in view of his 
munificent donation to the South of more than three million of dollars 
for educational purposes. Mr. James Lyons presented the resolutions, 
and Mr. Peabody, with feeble voice, responded with kind acknow- 
ledgments. 

It has been pleasant to meet and converse with old General Wise. 
He is as full of life as ever, and is certainly a genial, agreeable old 

man 

[To his Grandson.] 

White Sulphur, August 3, 1869. 

Dear J : I cannot write much, but I must tell you how much 

I have thought of you since I have been away. I hope you are better 
in health, and, above all, I hope you are in spiritual health, and are 
growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. You 
have commenced a new life in making a profession of- religion. That 
it may be a happy, useful life, you must strive to conquer every bad 
habit — to oppose all that is inconsistent with the will of Jesus and tho 
happiness of those around you. Indolence, quickness of temper, un- 
kindness to your dear brother or sisters, undue levity of spirit, you 
should try to avoid, and cultivate, on the other hand, a mild and gentle 
spirit. Keep a watch over your tongue. Bead a portion of the Bible 
every day. Do not forget to pray to God morning and night. Try to 
do some good to others every day. Thus you will be happy, truly 
happy. Jesus will be your friend, and you will grow up to be a bless- 
ing to the world. 

[To his Wife.] 

August 10, 1869. 

.... The crowd here increased. There are to-day seventeen hun- 
dred persons here. More than one hundred and fifty came yesterday, 
and it was pitiful how disappointed many were as they crowded up 
when the train arrived and they were told that no accommodations 
could be aflforded. Thus at ten o'clock at night they had to shift for 



284 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

themselves, some going to the country for quarters, and others lolling 
about till morning. One lady sat up all night in the ball-room. They 
are receiving telegrams all to-day from persons on the train begging 
that provision may be made for them to-night. To-morrow they expect 
hundreds who are coming to the ball. They will dance all night, and 
most of them take the train next morning. 

I walked to-day five miles. Brother Alexander and I concluded to 
go out to see Mr. Cowardin, who is very ill 

Yesterday the costume-provider exhibited his various masques and 
dresses in the ball-room. He has twenty thousand dollars invested, 
and the hire of each dress is from ten to twenty dollars for the night. 
Many have been already taken. Every conceivable costume, embracing 
all the court-dresses of all nations for several centuries, is furnished — 
some of them gorgeous, and others grotesque. 

Brother William F. Broaddus arrived last night, and to-morrow 
morning a meeting is to be held in the ball-room on behalf of the 
soldiers' children. Governor Wise and others are to speak 

Partially restored in health, he resumes with a will his 
work, and is found now at the mission-room, and anon in 
Baltimore or some Virginia town, or making a long tour 
through the South and South-west. Seldom a Sunday passes 
without three sermons, besides Sunday-school and missionary 
addresses. 

[To one of his Sons.] 

Richmond, January 30, 1870. 
.... My thoughts have been very seriously exercised of late in re- 
spect to an event which in the nature of things cannot be far off. The 
leaving of earth's scenes and associations must occur soon in the course 
of events, and I want to . be ready. I long for a higher type of piety, a 
love which shall quench the fires of sensuality, and a faith which shall 
bring near spiritual and eternal things. I would have this increased devo- 
tion to God without a mere reference to the approach of death. Could 
I be required to live here a thousand years, I would wish still to recog- 
nize more abidingly my relations to him. I think I have a more exper- 
imental apprehension of his glory, of his adorable perfections, his 
rectitude, his fathomless love. He is worthy of the endless praises of 
men and angels — of their undeviating loyalty and obedience. And from 
this point of view I can discover how far removed I am from him — how 
strangely and shamefully I have followed him afar off. I do not know 
that the world, as God has made it, is less attractive. The grand and 
beautiful, reflecting the moral attributes of Jehovah, appear on every 
hand in the scenery of the natural world, and may well charm the soul 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 285 

and sense. The sweet, endearing associations of life are sources of pure, 
real pleasure. It is sin alone that mars the delight which this world 
affords. A fit home for man, this world would be a paradise if all his 
powers and passions were in harmony with his will. I am seeking, 
through the atoning blood of Jesus and the Spirit's sanctifying influence, 
a closer walk with God. Like Paul, I feel and would say, " Not as 
though I had already attained, either were already perfect ; but this one 
thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind and reaching to those 
which are before, I press toward the mark," etc. I know you will pra}' 
for me. Eemember me to all the dear ones in your happy home 

[From his Diary.] 

1870, January 7th. Arrived at Baltimore this morning at eight o'clock. 
Called on several friends, and at night preached for Brother Chambliss, 
at Broadway Church, from Acts xiii. 39. 

What a poor restless being is man ! Whatever may be his condition, 
however he may be favored, he is not satisfied. Something will be 
found to annoy — something on account of which he will be disturbed. 
There is too much rain or too little, too much heat or cold. With rest- 
less solicitude he is looking in every direction, and asking, Who will 
show me any good ? The reason is obvious : he is a wanderer from God. 

Sunday, January 9th. Addressed the Sunday-school of Broadway 
Church. Preached at eleven a. m. In afternoon heard Brother Earle on 
the " Grand Eeception of Christ." At night heard Brother Williams, 
and saw him' baptize fourteen persons. Spent the night at Fountain 
Hotel, ready to depart in the morning. 

10th. Rose at three o'clock and left in the cars with A. E. D. for home. 

It is difficult for a worldly man to conceive how it is that the hope 
and assurance of a blissful immortality are consistent with a proper en- 
joyment of the things of the present life. But this apparent inconsist- 
ency is easily reconciled by the believer in Jesus. His own experience 
teaches the accordance of these things. This world is not his home. 
He lives here as a sojourner, a pilgrim, a traveler. But he is not insen- 
sible to the conveniences of the journey. He can, take in all the beauty 
of the surrounding scenery as he passes on, while his chief concern is to 
finish his journey and to reach his much-loved home. As he travels he 
can enjoy the food, the friends, the rest of the journey, and be thankful 
for them ; but they are not suflicient to detain him, or to detach his 
affections from the more permanent habitation to which he is tending. 
All things are his — things present and things to come. 

16th, University of Virginia. Preached in the morning in the chapel. 
In the afternoon addressed the young men on the subject of missions. 
At night delivered an address on missions at the Baptist house of wor- 



286 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

ship in Charlottesville, and was followed by Brother Poindexter. Con- 
gregation large and apparently interested. 

24th. Brother T. S. Malconi called to see me, and remained all night. 
It was pleasant to confer with- him on the subject of the African mission. 
He is a Secretary of the Pennsylvania Colonization Society, and is 
deeply interested in the African race. 

26th. Visited the African Theological School, under Kev. Mr. Corey. 
About fifty in attendance, making good progress. The Lord bless this 
endeavor! Met with Mr. Simmons, one of the Secretaries of the Ameri- 
can Baptist Home Mission Society. The interview pleasant. 

27th. Have been quite unwell. My tlioughts have been led to subjects 
relating to a higher consecration to God. I long for a nearer assimila- 
tion to the divine image. 

28th. Have suffered much with acute pain. How can I murmur? I 
am ashamed when I think of a suffering Saviour. He was without sin, 
and yet a sufferer — a sufferer such as earth has never known. He suf- 
fered for my sins. Shall I complain — a man for the punishment of his 
sins ? 

29th. Confined to the house; have suffered much all night; have had 
little sleep for several nights, so painful have been my sufferings. I 
want to have these trials made efficacious in bringing me nearer to 

Christ. 

" How far from thee I lie ! 
Dear Saviour, raise me higher." 

30th. Confined to the house all day, though somewhat relieved of 
acute pain. Have read much in Conybeare's "Life and Epistles of 
Paul." Much edified by this work. 

February 15th. 

, "With patient mind thy course of duty run : 

God nothing does, or suffers to be done, 
But thou wouldst do thyself if thou couldst see 
The end of all events as well as he." 

March was mostly spent in a tour as far as New Orleans, 
to collect funds and to confer with several who were consider- 
ing the question of becoming missionaries. His labors were 
seldom intermitted, but he records in his diary constant pain 
and weakness. 

[To his Wife.] 

On the Cars in Alabama, March 19. 
I have not forgotten that this is my birthday. Before the dawning 
of the day my thoughts were aroused, and I brought before me the 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 287 

events of life. And now, as the past is reviewed, I find occasion for 
humiliation and thankfulness. How nearly have I approached the 
allotted limit of life as referred to by the Psalmist ! If I am not " a 
wonder to many," I am to myself. The loving-kindness of the Lord 
is indeed wondrous. Goodness and mercy have followed me all the 
days of my life. 

" But oh how few returns of love 
Hath my Creator found !" 

I have not been in the habit of referring to my own exercises of 
mind — perhaps not enough so — but I can say my heart is always pene- 
trated by a humbling and mortifying sense of deficiency in my obliga- 
tions to God, to you, to all. Nothiog but the revelation which God has 
himself made could afibrd a glimpse of hope to one like me. I desire 
to keep my eye on the cross of Christ as the sinner's only hope. It is 
indeed a thought replete with consolation, that, all polluted as sin has 
rendered the race, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin. 
How suited, too, is this contemplation to draw the soul to God and to 
bind to his sway ! I wish to be under this influence. I would be con- 
strained by the love of Christ to live not unto myself, but to him who 
died for me and rose again. 

[From his Diary.] 
May 16th. The recent calamity by which about seventy lives were 
lost by the sinking of the floor of the court-room in the Capitol has 
been terribly felt in many families of our city. Some were instantly 
killed, others by gradual suflTocation passed away. Beneath the crush- 
ing timbers moans and lamentations were heard. One cried out, " Oh 
that I had lived a different life !" Another exclaimed, "O grave, where 
is thy victory ? O death, where is thy sting ?" 

During this month he attends the Baptist anniversaries in 
Philadelphia, and is greatly interested in the proceedings. 
Under date of May 27th he records in his diary : " I found 
the feeling in Philadelphia friendly — a disposition to co-ope- 
rate with the South is manifest. God grant that all bitterness 
and wrath and clamor and evil-speaking, with all malice, may 
be put away !" 

The "June meeting" this year was made specially interest- 
ing, to him at least, by the presence of R. H. Graves from 
China, and Dr. Cote, then a candidate for appointment te 



28.8 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOK. 

Italy.* With the former he proceeded to Wake Forest Col- 
lege, where a missionary meeting was held in connection with 
the Commencement. He returned home in a violent storm, 
and himself drenched with the rain — an experience followed 
by days of severe sickness. 

The incidents of the next few months, especially interesting 
to him, and most of them minutely referred to in his diary, 
were the sailing of Dr. Cote for Europe ; the appointment of 
R. S. Prichard, a member of his household and his grandson 
by affinity, as missionary to China ; the arranging to secure the 
aid of Dr. Poindexter in the mission-room, and the alarming 
illness of " Brother Jeter," his " dearly-loved companion in 
labor for forty-five years." Fervently did he pray, " Lord, 
spare him!" and scarcely less fervently "thank the Lord" 
when that prayer was heard. He himself was more or less a 
sufferer during all this period. In connection with attendance 
upon the Valley and Greenbrier Associations he again spent 
some time at the White Sulphur, which he, however, crowded 
with work. 

[From his Diary.] 

Saturday, 27th August. Left home to attend the Greenbrier Association 
in Monroe county, West Virginia. Found very pleasant company on 
the cars. Arrived at Goshen at six o'clock, and finding Brother Abraham 
there, accepted his kind invitation to spend the night with him. 

* The providence of God seemed to have sent Dr. Cote to the Board, and his 
coming before them was the immediate occasion of the originating of the mis- 
sion to Italy. But the idea had been for some time a cherished one with the 
Corresponding Secretary. He was in the habit, from time to time, of address- 
ing letters to the Board indicating his own views as to the policy to be pursued. 
The following extract is taken from one of these letters. It is dated November 
2, 1868 : ''I wish to call especial attention to the question of enlargement. If 
an earnest purpose to increase the number of missionaries and to extend an 
evangelical influence in heathen lands shall be evinced by the Board, a corre- 
sponding solicitude will be awakened among the churches Has not the 

time arrived token toe should attempt something in the way of preaching a pure 
gospel in some portions of papal Eurojje ? God is wondrously opening the way 
for such an endeavor. The Baptists of the South have committed this whole 
foreign mission-work into our hands. It will be for us to strike out judicious 
plans, and to prosecute them with vigor; and we may hope then to provoke 
all our churches to greater activity." 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 289 

29th. Left Goshen at six o'clock A. m. ; arrived at White Sulphur at 
ten o'clock. Kindly received by the Peyton brothers. Find Mrs. Wil- 
liam Peyton still very ill. Met the two Brothers Hume, Brother Wood- 
fin, Brother C. ^B-yland, Professor Huntington, and others. Wrote six 
letters 

September 2d. Eleven letters sent oflT to-day. I have filled up the time 
as profitably as possible. Were it not for this I should hardly be satis- 
fied to remain at the Springs, though a manifest improvement of health 
seems to follow my stay here. 

4th. Preached in the ball-room at eleven o'clock from 1 Peter i. 17. 
Some freedom, but, alas ! how little do these services avail ! The people 
attend the dances every night, even Saturday night, till a late hour, and 
then, as part of the programme, go to hear a harangue on religion on 
Sunday. 

November 30th. The readiness to contribute to the spread of the 
gospel is sadly out of proportion to the ability of God's people. Why 
should they not give an average of two cents per week for the spread of 
the gospel among the heathen ? But, alas ! the Baptists of the South are 
not contributing each four cents a year to this object. Is not the claim 
of Jesus as the self-sacrificing Saviour enough to draw forth the resources 
of the Lord's people, to tax their utmost energy ? Is not the fearful con- 
dition of millions of idolaters sufi&cient to control their hearts in a move- 
ment to give to them the gospel ?....! am sad in the survey of the 
present condition of things, but hope to see a better day. 

December 6th. Quite a number of churches in Virginia are destitute 
of pastors. How will they be supplied ? and how will they be found as 
to their spiritual condition until supplies are secured ? A strange mis- 
take is liable to be made. The desire for men of transcendent talent, for 
men who will captivate the multitude by oratorical display, or men who 
will bring notoriety to the church, is too likely to prevail. A church 
will pass by ten men who would watch over them and promote their 
spirituality — men who could instruct them and properly marshal their 
forces — and will remain unsupplied in the vain attempt to find one of the 
sensational order. This course is not wise. Men of the highest order of 
mental power or of superior address in the pulpit are not easily found. 
And when found there may be wanting an adaptation to the church 
which will prevent success. This love of the novel and attractive in the 
preacher is soon satisfied, and in many instances disappointment and 
failure are the result. The church becomes divided and leanness of soul 
among the members follows. 

December 25th. Preached at Dr. Read's church from Philippians i. 6. 
Visited John Lee, colored man, sick. Another fearful calamity has be- 
fallen our city. The Spottswood Hotel, with several other valuable 
25 T 



290 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

buildings, was burned this morning, and seven or eight lives lost. A 
sad Cliristraas Day I 

1871, January 1st. Tlie year opens with blessings abundant to me and 
mine. What will be the events which shall have occurred when the year 
closes no mortal can tell. When the year 1870 commenced 1 little appre- 
hended that one I loved so dearly would pass away before its close. 
Dear Fannie, the loved and loving wife of my son James, was in health 
so apparently vigorous that she gave promise of long life. But now she 
is missing from the home she made so bright and happy. And now I 
and mine are the happy recipients of health and hope. Wliat this year 
will bring forth it is not mine to foretell, nor would I desire the know- 
ledge of its events. I would have the year spent in acts of devotion, un- 
marred by sin. But I cannot keep myself. God, help me ! The Lord 
keep me ! I am spending the day in Petersburg. Preached this morn- 
ing at Second Church from 1 Peter i. 17 ; at night at First Church from 
Philippians i. 6. 

February 25th. This has been a very busy week. With Brother Poin- 
dexter assisting, I have employed every spare hour in appealing to 
churches and individual Christians in the South for help in our need as 
a Foreign Mission Board. It is pleasant to have Brother P. with me. I 
am often sad in view of the small number of the Lord's professed people 
who are interested in the spread of the gospel. Why is it so ? May it 
not be that too many of the pastors and teachers utterly fail to train the 
churches to the exercise of a scriptural liberality ? With reference to a 
reformation in this respect I am constantly laboring. Lord, help me ! 
Wisdom and love are needed to make my appeals effective. Again I cry, 
Lord, help me ! 

April 22d. On my way to Wake Forest College to assist in the ordina- 
tion of my youngest son, Charles E. Taylor. 

23d. A large congregation assembled. Brother W^ingate preached an 
excellent sermon ; subject, " The Successful Preacher." A solemn time. 
Preached in the chapel at night, from 1 Timothy i. 15. 

24th. Preached again in the chapel, from Galatians ii. 20. Quite un- 
well all the time during my stay at the college. Am thankful that God 
has called another son into the ministry. May the divine blessing follow 
these services ! 

The following entry is painfully interesting, because it records 
his last pulpit-labors. Hitherto he had visited some church 
every Sunday, doing a heavy day's work. From this time, 
while attending to his other duties, he did not preach again, 
though constantly hoping to do so. It is a striking coincidence 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TATLOK. 291 

that here the last pulpit-work of the lamented Bagby was per- 
formed. It is also au interesting fact that my father's last ser- 
mons were to the colored people and in connection with his 
efforts for the African mission. Pie had, when entering the 
ministry, decided to remain in the South — partly, as he de- 
clared, that he might labor for the benefit of that race — and 
during all his pastorate he had paid special attention to the 
colored people, while as Secretary his heart had been peculiarly 
enlisted in the African missions — first, those on the coast, and 
afterward that in Yoruba; and among his last sustained con- 
versations, a day or two before he died, was one in reference to 
the African mission : 

Sunday, April 30th. Preached at First Colored Church, Alexandria, 
from Galatians iii. 22. Delivered addresses at two colored churches in 
the afternoon. At night preached at Second African Church, from Luke 
xxiv. 36, 37. Quite unwell all day. 

Says Rev. C. H. Ryland : " Your father spent the entire day 
with these churches. He was most laboriously engaged, and 
very much prostrated by the severe work. This may be an 
evidence of it. He took tea with my family in company with 
Deacon Broadus. He refused cake and preserves, and made the 
meal on cold bread, drinking three cups of tea, remarking, ' I 
am very tired, and this refreshes me,' or something of that sort. 
I remember it better because of a remark I made upon his evi- 
dent feebleness afterward to Brother B. When I bantered him 
about giving the day exclusively to the colored folks, and not 
coming to our church at least once, he replied that his visit was 
special — that a crisis had been reached in the African mission, 
and he desired to enlist the colored churches in the work." 

Kev. Fields Cook, formerly of Richmond, and long ac- 
quainted with Mr. Taylor, and latterly pastor of one of the 
colored churches in Alexandria, writes as follows : " It hap- 
pened to be on a Sabbath which the church had set apart for a 
missionary-meeting. There were present several ministers be- 
sides Brother James B. Taylor, and a large congregation. The 
object of this meeting was for home missions. All the minis- 



292 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

ters had something to say. He was very much pleased to see 
so much of the spirit of missions in the hearts of the people as 
was manifested that day. He spoke at some length, and the 
night following he had the use of the pulpit to introduce his 
favorite subject, the .African mission. He spoke with much 
earnestness of the hope he had of the early Christianization of 
Africa, and advised the young men who felt called to the jnin- 
istry to prepare for the work, and to go wherever the Lord 
might direct them. He had the calm attention of the con- 
gregation throughout his discourse, but he then appeared very 
feeble." 

His next entry is May 7th, one week later : " Have been 
sick all the week, unable to go from home ; have doubted the 
propriety of attending the Convention this week. The Lord 
direct!" He did not attend the Convention. 

He attended the meeting of the General Association in Pe- 
tersburg, though really not strong enough to do so. He seemed 
to feel that he must, upon the floor of this body, plead once 
more the claims of foreign missions ; and though he was very 
feeble, his presentation of the subject was thought by many to 
be as clear and forcible as they had ever heard from him. I 
think this was the last time that he met with his brethren in 
any such convocation. At this meeting Hall and Bagby were 
mourned for. How little was it thought that at the next, Witt 
and Allen and Taylor and Poindexter would be missed, their 
seats being empty ! 

[To one of Ms Sons,] 

Richmond, June 11, 1871. 
.... I see very little abatement in the symptoms of my case. For a 
day I seem almost well, and then have a return of the disease, with a 
distressing languor that seems to take away almost my life. Last night, 
though taking a large dose of laudanum, I was aroused probably twenty 
times, and feel good for nothing this morning I have been look- 
ing to-day over a work by Stroud on the physical cause of the death of 
Christ, which he regards as the breaking of the heart. It contains more 
than a discussion of this topic, and presents some most striking thoughts 
on the whole question of the sacrificial character of the death of Jesus. 
How luminously does this great central truth of the gospel shine out in 



LIFE ANI) TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 293 

all the writir.gs of the Old and New Testament ! How gloriously does it 
meet the wants of the poor self-destroyed sinner ! " Here hangs all hu- 
man hope." And this hope, an anchor of the soul entering into that 
within the veil, can never lose its hold. The soul may cry out under its 
burden of sin, "la sinner am, but Jesus died for me." We are not only 
shut up to this hope, but it is a well-grounded, sure foundation. I know it, 
I feel it to be so. More and more do I feel the radical sinfulness of my 
nature and my deep unworthiness, and rejoice to know that " the blood 
of Jesus cleanseth from all sin." But I did not intend to refer to my- 
self. .... 

[From his Diary.] 

July 1st, University of Virginia. I can hardly believe that so much 
time has elapsed since my last entry in this book. Then I was sick, but 
hoping to be able to attend the Southern Baptist Convention in St. Louis. 
This pleasure was denied, and ever since I have been an invalid, mostly 
confined to the house and part of the time to the bed. On the 22d ultimo 
I left home to spend a little time at one of the watering-places, with the 
hope of recuperating. On my way, to break the journey and to see 
George and his family, I stopped at the University. Upon consulting 
Dr. Davis, I believed it to be my duty* to remain here a few days. Here 
I am still, submitting to medical treatment. It has been a sore trial to 
me, but I hope it may result in my restoration. Especially do I pray for 
a sanctifying influence. To be a better man under this discipline is my 
earnest desire. 

2d. Have been mostly alone to-day. G«iorge 3- has gone to preach 
at Staunton. His time of service at the University as chaplain has 
closed. For two years he has filled this position, and I am thankful to 
believe that God has made him a minister of good to many. I have 
been much afiected in remembering that thirty-one years ago I was just 
closing my term of service in the same relation. George was then a 
little boy, and I little thought then, as we rambled over these hills, 
that he would in after years be employed in preaching the glorious 
gospel to the hundreds of young men gathered within these walls. 

6th. I find by experience how often it is more difficult to suffer than 
to do the will of God. Mine has been an active life in the ministry, 
and I have sought to do with my might whatever of service has been 
required. How imperfectly all has been performed ! I have a hum- 
bling conviction of the shortcoming and unworthiness of my best per- 
formances. But to be laid aside, even for a short period, is a trial far 
greater than any involved in the active fulfillment of laborious and 
responsible duties. 

8th. Keturned home to-day. 

17th. Yesterday was a time of suflfering. During the previous week 
25* 



291 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

I had been able to write many letters, and had so far improved as to 
give promise of renewed vigor. I had hoped to spend the Lord's Day 
in great comfort and with spiritual profit. But most of that season of 
worship was spent in the sick chamber. It is all right. My wayward 
heart needs the trial. God knows best. He deals with me graciously. 
Every blessing of his hand has been forfeited. Yet as a father pitieth 
his children, so the Lord pitieth me. Even when he chastens it is in 
love, it is for ray profit. 

24th, I have this day written my purpose to withdraw my letter 
of jesignation as Corresponding Secretary of the Foreign Mission 
J^oard. My resignation, presented a few weeks since, was induced by 
an apprehension that some might regard me as having outlived my 
capacity to conduct the weighty interests of the foreign mission enter- 
prise. But the Board interpose to this their unanimous protest, and 
beg that I may recall my resignation. This I consent to do. I have 
also been led to a purpose of withdrawal from the Board by a desire to 
spend some time in completing my History of Virginia Baptists. The 
Board propose to secure assistance in the work of missions, and to 
allow me to take time for the History. I beg the gracious direction 
of the all-wise God, and his bles»ing in my future course. Lord, leave 
me not to myself — take not thy Holy Spirit from me. 

September 1st. Glad to greet Brother A. D. Phillips, who has been 
in attendance on several Associations. I have not seen him before 
since his return from Africa. His reports are favorable. God grant us 
success in our endeavor to evangelize Africa ! We have now ten sta- 
tions, and twelve laborers in the interior and on the coast. 

3d. Lord's Day morning, bright and beautiful. Feeling languid, too 
much so to attend worship. What a privilege I lose ! T can adopt the 
language of the eighty-fourth Psalm. These trials and weaknesses of 
the body may well be a reminder of the rest which remains. I feel 
that I am nearing the hither shore of the river which divides that 
heavenly land from ours. Oh for a readiness to pass over ! I would 
more and more be like him whom my soul desires to see. This like- 
ness perfected will not be mine till I see him as he is. 

October 17th. For some time I have sufiered peculiar solicitude 
respecting our foreign work, arising from the small returns from the 
churches as compared with our need and their ability to give. I have 
written hundreds of letters and appealed through the papers, and yet 
oh how slowly do the Lord's people respond to this claim ! I am still 
not wholly disheartened. God can awaken his people. I have been 
pleading with him on this behalf; I rest upon the promises he has 
given. 

20th. My work recently has been very heavy. Am engaged in plead- 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B.TAYLOR. 295 

ing with the Lord's people to take hold of the blessed enterprise of 
preaching Jesus to the destitute. I am standing on the borders of the 
spirit-world, and am looking over into that world as soon to be occupied 
by me. I sometimes feel that the time of my departure is at hand, and 
I wish to do all I can before I go. 

21st. A call from my long and dearly-loved brother Jeter to-day. 
He comes especially to advise that for the sake of my health I suspend 
all work that may be exciting to the nervous system, and that I give 
myself wholly to the object of seeking restored strength. What shall 
I do ? The interests of the Board demand constant and earnest atten- 
tion. Lord, direct me ! 

22d. A lovely day. J am too languid to attend the Lord's house, but 
it has been a very pleasant season of reading, meditation, and prayer. 
This is a beautiful world, and this life is full of evidence that God is 
good ; but there is a better world, a life beyond the grave, where God 
appears with unclouded glory, where all is pure and changeless. 

25th. Have enjoyed comparative comfort for days past, and have per- 
formed a heavy work for the Board. I am encouraged to believe that 
we shall pass through the present peril in our pecuniary affairs ; but, 
alas ! how many churches are doing nothing in connection with the en- 
terprise of giving the gospel to the world ! Will it always be so ? Will 
not a better day come? I am working for this. Lord, direct and 
prosper ! 

November 2d. Left for Norfolk for the purpose of seeing the emigrants 
for Liberia, and of sending letters, etc. by the vessel for the missionaries. 
At the depot, on arriving, met Brother Salisbury, who insisted on my 
going to his house — a home which has always been exceedingly pleasant 
to me. 

3d. Spent the day in writing and in visiting the emigrants. It has 
been a busy time, and I am to-night very weary. 

15th. Though wishing to rest more, and to aim at the general improve- 
ment of my health, I have found it more needful than ever to work 
almost constantly, so great has been the peril of embarrassment on the 
part of our Board. The dreadful Chicago fire, burning down so large a 
portion of the city, and causing the failure of insurance offices, banks, and 
capitalists all over the country, has produced a sort of pecuniary paralysis 
and great scarcity of money. Our Board is feeling the pressure sorely. 
This necessitates more vigorous endeavors and more numerous appeals, 
so that I have prepared and sent off, with the assistance of my wife, more 
than five hundred letters. I am glad of the arrival of Brother Phillips, 
who will now spend some time in Bichmond assisting me in my work. 

This is the last entry but one in his diary. 



296 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

[Letter to one of his Sons.] 

November 12, 187L 

It seems a long time since I have seen you and yours, and I may ride 
up to see you on some day this week, perhaps Tuesday. 

The longer I live the more I find myself clinging to my dear wife, to 
my nine living children and their children — not, I trust, with idolatroua 
affection, but at the same time with a love inexpressible; and the two 
"who are not" are still in my heart, remembered and loved, J. L. 
Prichard and Fanny Taylor, who have been taken from us, I loved be- 
fore they were my children, and they were the more endeared to me the 
more I knew them. Surely no one on earth has been so favored as I 
have been, especially in ray family relations ; and while I do not like to 
refer to myself in what might seem to be mere wordy disparagement, I 
sometimes think I have been the unworthiest. God has been very gra- 
cious to me in all respects. In childhood and youth I was favored, per- 
haps as much in being required to bear the yoke as in anything else. 
All the circumstances of my boyish days sometimes come in retrospect 
before me in humbling and grateful influence. My dearly-loved parents 
are made to appear before me just as they were — so devoted, so careful of 
my morals, so sedulously anxious for my spiritual welfare — and 1 am 
made to praise and adore him who gave them to me. 

My mind has dwelt much lately on my coming dissolution. It may be 
soon, and cannot at my age be far distant. Many reminders of the in- 
secure tenure by which I hold on to life have been recently furnished in 
the death of many I knew — Dr. Crawford, Mrs. Howell, Y. R. Pitts of 
Missouri, Mr. Fox, etc. I cannot say that the thought of death is pain- 
ful to me, nor would I, like Bunyan's " Weary-of-the- World," be so tired 
of life as to hasten its close. " My times are in thy hand :" this is my 
constant joy. I love to contemplate the divine rule and reign. The 
divine will, controlled by infinite wisdom, rectitude, and love, — this, this 
is my joy, and I think I can say, unworthy as I am, "Now, Lord, what 
wait I for ? My hope is in thee." 

I was invited, or rather recommended, by Brother Jeter to suspend my 
official labors, and seek in rest a recuperation of health — to visit my 
children and lay aside my pen. But I have never been busier than 
lately. How could it be otherwise ? At a most critical period of our 
history as a Board, with more letters received and to answer than usual, 
how could I abandon my work ? Your mother and the other members 
of the family have assisted, but the fact is, work enough for two secre- 
taries is found in our enterprise. 

In closing, I may say that Robert is still feeble. He and I know how 
to sympathize with each other. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 297 

This was the last letter he ever wrote to any member of his 
family. The visit he proposed in it he soon after made to me, 
remaining two or three days, much of the time being spent in 
writing mission-letters and in calling upon various persons, 
especially several sick and aged ones. Some of them will 
tenderly remember while they live his prayers and conversa- 
tions, and the hymns and scriptures he repeated. In one of 
these calls upon a poor afflicted saint he repeated the hymn, 
" There is a land of pure delight," and commented with much 
feeling upon the words of our Lord, " I go to prepare a place 
for you." During this visit, feeling the uncertainty of his con- 
tinuance, as he was so feeble and suffering so much, I begged 
him, for his children's sake, to v/rite out for us some memo- 
randa of his early history. He objected that he was too busy. 
When I asked him if he would not highly prize any such de- 
tails of his father's life, his eye brightened and he assented, 
but added, " I would rather write of any other subject than 
myself." 

Being very constantly with him, I was able to understand 
the bodily distress he was day and night subjected to, but so 
patient, so uncomplaining, so quiet was he, that from him his 
sufferings would never have been learned. 

A fortnight later I was in Kichmond. Father was feeble, 
but working. He now again resigned his office. 

The Board, in accepting the resignation, adopted a paper, 
from which the following is extracted : 

Kev. J. B. Taylor, D.D., has been the only acting Corresponding Sec- 
retary of this Board. During the whole period of its existence, extend- 
ing through twenty-six years, he has performed the duties of his office 
with a diligence, fidelity, and disinterestedness never excelled, and with 
a judgment, prudence, and efficiency rarely equaled. He has been, in 
truth, the life and motive-power of the Board. In all this time his re- 
lations with all its members have been most fraternal and pleasant. 
Nothing has ever occurred, in their business transactions, in their com- 
plicated interests, or in their earnest discussions, to disturb, for a moment, 
the reciprocal confidence and affection between the Board and their 
Secretary. ' . 

This paper, communicated to him by his warm personal 



298 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

friend, Dr. W. H. Gwathmey, the Recording Secretary of the 
Board, was very gratifying to his feelings. 

The news of his resignation called forth many warm ex- 
pressions of regard and regret, both from individuals and from 
the Baptist papers of the South. These, however, did not 
reach Richmond till he was beyond human blame or praise, 
and blended with the still warmer expressions which his death 
occasioned. 

The evening before I left we walked together in Sidney. It 
was a lovely day, and he seemed to enjoy the air and the 
scenery. He also took great interest in calling my attention 
to the various improvements accomplished or projected in the 
West End. He also arranged with me that together we should 
work upon and complete his History. He seemed to feel that 
he was perhaps near his end, and yet that this was no reason 
why he should not engage heartily and joyfully in all the con- 
cerns of life. It was, in truth, the fact of his preparation for 
death, and his own sweet consciousness of the fact, that enabled 
him thus to feel and act in reference to all earthly scenes. 

The next morning was Saturday. He raised up from the 
sofa as I came to bid him good-bye, and said, " Must you go? 
I w^sh you could stay ;" then added, as he had often done 
before, "But no. Go and fill your appointment. That is 
right, that is best." 

About this time. Dr. C. R. Dickinson, General Superin- 
tendent of the Virginia Sunday-school and Bible Board, 
called to see him. Dr. D. says : " He met me cheerfully, 
though evidently suffering pain. Having briefly described 
his condition, and asked me some questions about his disease, 
he commenced a conversation about the churches of the 
Goshen Association, and with much interest asked many ques- 
tions about their past history and trials, especially during 
their struggles with the doctrines of Mr. Campbell. He being- 
feeble and suffering, I was surprised that he seemed so much 
interested on this subject at such a time, when he told me he 
was writing a History of the Baptists of Virginia, and was 
anxious to bring it up to the living age. Fearing a long con- 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 299 

versation might be injurious, 'twas thought best to leave and 
enjoin rest upon him ; he replied in his usual meek, quiet 
way, ' What he had to do must be done quickly.' This inter- 
view impressed me much with his deep devotion to the truth, 
his love for his denomination, his desire to perpetuate a know- 
ledge of their toils and sacrifices in the spread of the truth, 
and most of all with that declaration of the Saviour, ' Blessed 
is that servant whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall find so 
doing.' " 

The following extracts are from a family letter, giving some 
details of the closing scenes : 

Richmond, December 26, 1871. 

.... Friday two weeks, the 8th instant, he walked out with brother 

George for the last time. The next morning he came down to breakfast, 

but, feeUng sick at the stomach, returned to his room to lie down. After 

that he went into the dining-room no more, but did not seem worse than 

usual for a day or two. Each day he dictated replies to letters. M 

spent most of her time writing for him. He dictated the editorials of 
the Some and Foreign Journal, and up to Thursday, the 14th, answered 
letters in this way. That night, as I told you in my letter, which I then 
finished, he requested that brother George should be written for. That 
sent a dagger to my heart, thinking he must have some foreshadowing of 
departure. On Saturday afternoon, seated in the large rocking-chair in 
the sitting-room, he inquired for Robert, and said, " Poor fellow ! we are 
both of us in a bad way, and I reckon neither of us will ever be any 
better." On another occasion, speaking of Robert's critical condition, he 
said, " But perhaps I may go first." Sunday morning he seemed much 
brighter at breakfast-time, so that all were much encouraged for a time, 
and hoped he was really beginning to improve, but in an hour or two he 
became drowsy, and sat up no more that day. In the afternoon he asked 
Mr. Jacob and Henderson, who called to see him, to sing the hymn 
commencing, " And let this feeble body fail." He also remarked to them, 
" I am trying to apply to myself the promises and comforts I have so 
long been recommending to others." As it wearied him to talk, he said 
but little, and generally did not care to see company. Monday he 
scarcely sat up at all, bat enjoyed resting on the lounge. Tuesday morn- 
ing mother said father had slept unusually well, and he being still sleepy, 
I did not see him to speak to him before going into school. During the 
day I would inquire, always hearing that he was quiet. The day was a 
very rainy one. I gave no recess, hurrying to finish school early. Imag- 
ine my feelings when Mary told me that Dr. Snead said he thought a 



300 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOE. 

stupor had set in which would increase until dissolution. Never can I 
describe the shock and agony of that afternoon. James and Charles were 
at once telegraphed to, and we all sat together by that sleeping form. At 
any time, however, he could be aroused by speaking to him, and he told 
us it was time to go to bed, not to sit up, etc. etc. Wednesday about nine 
A. M. he seemed somewhat revived — said he wanted to have some private 
talk with G., and we all retired. He asked for his account-book, told 
brother G. the arrangements he wished made, and signed his name to a 
Avill which he dictated. In the mean time, Cousin John Williams came 
in to inquire about some appropriation to African missions. Father ex- 
pressed his opinion, and then inquired of Mr. Dickinson, who came in, 
if the proof-sheet of the Journal was ready. He soon became sleepy, 
and was never as much aroused again. Brother James now arrived, and 
together we all sat and watched our precious one, from time to time 
arousing him to take some stimulant, which he always did readily. 
Again, Wednesday night, we watched by turns — could not bear to leave 
the room, lest we might lose some utterance from his precious lips. On 
Thursday morning breathing became harder, the inhalation very long, 
and we thought the end was near. I wish, my dear M., I could give you 
an idea of the scene in our sitting-room from Wednesday night. The 
room was at the same time a Bethel and a Bochim. Our dear brothers 
by turns engaged in prayer for an easy departure for the dear one, and 
support and grace for the survivors ; passages of Scripture were read and 
repeated, hymns sung and read, so appropriate. We also talked over the 
life and character of our dear father from our earliest recollections. 
What sweet and precious memories ! Nothing to mar the retrospect ! 

Oh we felt, those three days, lifted above earth and earthly things 

But I must hasten on. Perhaps you can imagine the scene; it is im- 
possible for me to describe it. About six o'clock on Friday evening he 
became very quiet after considerable restlessness. We all gathered close 
around his couch, and watched and listened for the expiring breath, 
Never have I seen aiiything so sweet and touching as the scene of that 
hour, the gentle breathing growing softer and softer till the spirit passed 
away. 

" Life so sweetly ceased to be, 
It lapsed in immortality." 

That whole hymn of Montgomery fitly described the scene. "This 
place is holy ground." Then we all knelt around our precious one, and 
brother G. thanked God for dying grace and his holy life, and begged 
the same blessing for survivors. All Saturday we spent in a similar 
manner, talking, reading, praying and singing. The weather was stormy, 
but a holy calm reigned within, and frequently we looked at the dear 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 301 

form, so long the cherished object of our love, so beautiful in death, and 
tried to picture to ourselves the joy of the glorified spirit. 

" In a conversation which we had with him not long before 
his death," says Dr. Jeter in the Herald, " he quoted the words 
of Peter as applicable to himself: 'Knowing that shortly I 
must put off this tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ 
hath showed me.' For some time previous to his death he 
had been arranging all his matters, private and official, that 
they might be committed free from embarrassments to his 
successors. Several days previous to his death he was in a 
state of stupor, but when he was aroused his mind was per- 
fectly clear. He knew everybody, and answered every ques- 
tion intelligently. The last time he was waked up in our 
presence we quoted the words of the Psalmist : ' The Lord is 
my light and my salvation ; whom shall I fear ?' He imme- 
diately added, ' The Lord is the strength of my heart,' using 
heart instead of life, but was unable to finish the verse — ' of 
whom shall I be afraid ?' Finding that he could not talk, he 
said, with great distinctness and emphasis, ' All is right.' 
These were the last words we heard from his lips, probably the 
last he uttered, and they were most fitting words for the close 
of his life." 

Lord's Day, the 24th of December, was the day of the 
funeral. The storm and cold had given way to mild and 
sunny skies. Deacons from each of the Baptist churches, rep- 
resentatives of the Foreign Mission Board, and several of the 
pastors of the city, acted as pall-bearers. The pulpit of the 
Grace Street Church, from which the funeral occurred, was 
draped in mourning. A large audience was assembled, com- 
posed of persons of all classes and denominations. Dr. Read 
of the Presbyterian church read Revelation vii. 9-17; prayer 
was offered by the pastor. Rev. N. W. Wilson ; Rev. J. R. 
Garlick read and the choir sang Hymn 1118 in the "Psalm- 
ist," " Servant of God, well done," etc. ; the senior editor of 
the Herald delivered a discourse on the character of the 

26 



302 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

deceased. Dr. Curry, President of the Foreign Mission Board, 
made an address, from which the following extracts are taken : 



.... Whatever of history belongs to the foreign mission-work of the 
Southern Baptist Convention is closely, inseparably interwoven with 
Brother Taylor. Humanly speaking, he was the soul of the work — its 
moving, energizing representative. His labors were abundant. Con- 
summate caution and wisdom marked his counsels and actions. Body, 
soul, and spirit, he identified himself with the cause and the missionary. 
To those laboring abroad he was a brother and a father. He put his 
heart in closest sympathy, in loving union, with their hearts. He 
shared in their toils, labors, sacrifices. His prayers went up with theirs. 
His tears mingled with theirs. All their comforts and joys were shared 
equally by him. He had so allied and identified himself with labors in 
foreign fields that he was himself almost a foreign missionary, and cer- 
tainly caught the character and spirit of Brainerd and Martyn and 
Boardman and Judson. 

In the heathen lands where the missionaries of the Convention are 
laboring, Dr. T.'s name was a familiar household word, and when the 
sad tidings of his death shall be borne across the seas to our far distant 
stations, wails of lamentation will go up from the tawny tribes of China 
and the jungles of Africa and the newly-established churches of Italy. 
Under the shadows of the Vatican tears will be shed as sincere and heart- 
felt as those which are now falling in this house. 

The missionary enterprise seems to be a contagion, communicating its 
moral grandeur to those most deeply imbued with its spirit. Those who 
peril all for the sake of Jesus and the gospel are the great of earth — are 
ennobled, and translated into a higher plane of thought and faith and 
hope and love. Christian graces, in the holiest and sublimest exercise, 
are needed by these self-sacrificing heralds of the cross, and Jesus is an 
almoner of royal beneficence to siich. When sympathy for the lost be- 
comes an all absorbing passion a Christian soul seems to be requickened, 
revivified. 

Brother Taylor caught these virtues, shared largely in these charac- 
teristiCvS. Realizing the promise, "Lo, I am with you always," he felt 
that he was succored by infinite Might. He lived under the influence 
of the grace of faith. He believed that all things were possible with 
God. He imparted this sublime confidence unto those with whom he 
labored. Others might fear, stagger, doubt, be discouraged ; Brotlier 
Taylor, "seeing him who is invisible," had faith in God, and walked 
calmly, steadily, noiselessly forward ; and now, to-day, I can unhesi- 
tatingly and truthfully say that whatevjer of success has attended oui 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 303 

«qpecial work is, under God's providence and grace, attributable in great 
degree to the efforts and spirit of our now-sainted brother. 

A closing prayer was offered by Dr. Granberry of the 
Methodist church, and the benediction was pronounced by 
Rev. Mr. Corey of the Colver Institute. Then the body of the 
good man was borne away to its final resting-place in one of 
the most beautiful lots of the Hollywood Cemetery, where ap- 
propriate services were conducted by Rev. J. L. Burrows.* 

That afternoon, affecting and eulogistic references were made 
at several Pedobaptist churches of the city to the character 
and labors of the deceased. 

The Religious Herald contained an appreciative sketch of 
his life and character from the pen of his lifelong friend, Dr. 
Jeter J and the entire press of the city spoke in terms of 
eulogy of one who had been for nearly half a century iden- 
tified with Richmond, and as a citizen and minister had en- 
joyed the love and veneration of the community ; while the 
denominational papers of the country, and especially of the 
South, made fitting reference to him. The Board, which had 
just passed resolutions on the occasion of his resignation ex- 
pressive of their appreciation of his labors and their sense of 
the loss which the cause of missions had sustained by his re- 
tirement, now adopted a paper from which the following is ex- 
tracted : 

2. Resolved, That the example of our deceased brother, distinguished 
as it was by the disinterestedness of his motives, the fervor of his piety, 
the blamelessness of his conduct, the diligence of his labors, the symme- 
try of his character, and the benefit of his influence, is worthy of all 
commendation, and should be held up for the imitation of his survivors. 

3. Resolved, That a suitable and permanent record of a life so ex- 
emplary and beautiful, so enriched by the fruits of the Spirit, so abun- 
dant in labors, so pleasing in results, and so consecrated to the cause 
of foreign missions, as was that of Dr. Taylor, could not fail to be an 
acceptable offering to the public, and promotive of the ends to which 
that life was devoted; and that Eev. George B. Taylor, son of our 
deceased Secretary, is peculiarly fitted to prepare such a work. 

''^ Jteh'yious Herald. 



304 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

Even more touching were resolutions which all over the 
South were passed by churches and missionary societies, indi- 
cating as they did the love which these men and women and 
children felt for the mission cause and for him, both person- 
ally and as the advocate and representative of that cause ; and 
for months scarcely a Herald appeared which did not contain 
some tribute of affection to his memory, some reminiscence of 
his well-directed and efficient labors for the good of men and 
for the glory of Christ. 



CHAPTEE XVII. 

THE following estimate of the character of James B. Taylor 
is from the pen of Rev. J. B. Jeter : 

An accurate portraiture of the character of the late James 
B. Taylor, D.D,, it is peculiarly difficult to draw. Of all the 
men that I have ever known intimately, his qualities, intel- 
lectual and moral, were the most perfectly proportioned and 
rounded. He could scarcely be said to be remarkable, or at 
any rate eminent, for anything, and yet in every trait which 
enters into the composition of a great and good man he was 
above mediocrity. His mind was well balanced, his moral 
qualities were equally free from excess and deficiency, and his 
life was made up, not of brilliant exploits or of unusual deeds, 
but of the diligent, faithful performance of common and ever- 
recurring duties. As in the material so in the moral world, 
perfect symmetry diminishes the seeming greatness of objects. 
Taylor was a greater man than he appeared to be. His want 
of striking qualities led some persons to under-estimate his 
solid worth. His intimate friends, his companions in labor, 
knew the soundness of his judgment, the safety of his counsels, 
the wisdom of his plans, the nobleness of his purposes, and 
his self-sacrificing devotion to the cause of truth and human 
salvation. 

James B. Taylor was by nature gentle, amiable, frank, 
generous, high-minded, and firm in purpose 

At an early age, under the power of parental instruction, he 
became a Christian. He was brought up " in the nurture and 
admonition of the Lord." His piety grew with his growth 
and strengthened with "his strength. His naturally excellent 
qualities were refined and ennobled by grace. None who knew 
26* U 305 



306 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

him, especially, knew him intimately, could ever doubt the 
sincerity, depth, and power of his piety. He was strong in 
faith, conscientious, tender-hearted, faithful in good works, free 
from ambition and envy, and always desirous to occupy the 
post of usefulness rather than of honor. 

Two traits in the character of Dr. Taylor deserve especial 
notice. 

Of all the men I have intimately known, he was among the 
most liberal — if he was not the most liberal — in the use of his 
pecuniary means. He commenced his pastoral life in poverty, 
with a very small salary, and yet by self-denying economy he 
gave ten or twenty dollars at a time for religious or philan- 
thropic purposes. As he advanced in life, by small savings 
and judicious investments his resources were gradually in- 
creased, but, what is very unusual, his benefactions kept pace 
with his. means. His gifts swelled from twenty to fifty, one 
hundred, five hundred, and on at least one occasion to one 
thousand dollars, at a time. When he was pressed for money, 
and under the necessity of borrowing it, he did not diminish 
aught from the measure of his liberality. His gifts were con- 
fined within no narrow limits. To the cries of want his ear 
and his hand were always open. Every religious and every 
philanthropic enterprise was sure of his sympathy and aid. I 
give more prominence to this trait in the character of Dr. 
Taylor because it was not duly appreciated even by his friends. 
His strict economy, which, commenced from necessity, grew 
into a habit, was practiced not to secure the means of self- 
indulgence or the gratification of family pride, but to augment 
the stream of his beneficence. He saved that he might give ; 
and his gifts were the more meritorious because they were the 
fruit of self-denial. I mention Dr. Taylor's liberality for 
another reason. His case furnishes a striking illustration and 
proof of the wise man's saying : " There is that scattereth, and 
yet increaseth." Seeking first the kingdom of God for himself 
and his family, providing comfortably for their support, con- 
tributing generously to every good object, and never receiving 
a salary more than adequate to a meagre sustentation of his 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 307 

household, he succeeded, by the divine blessing on his pru- 
dent management, in obtaining a comfortable estate. 

The other trait in the character of Dr. T. claiming special 
attention is his industry. Of all the men of my acquaintance, 
he made the best use of the faculties with which he was 
endowed — the opportunities of self-culture and of usefulness 
granted to him. It did not seem possible that he should have 
made higher attainments or have done more good under the 
circumstances which encompassed him. His life was spent in 
ceaseless and well-directed activity or in needed rest. He 
acquired the art and the habit of devoting all his waking 
moments to useful purposes. He seemed never to forget his 
work. His walks were converted into religious visits, his recre- 
ations were subordinated to some useful end, while journeying 
he was planning or executing some benevolent scheme, his 
most casual conversations were fraught with wholesome instruc- 
tion; and yet his labors were so methodical, and pursued so 
quietly and steadily, that he never appeared to be specially 
busy. 

Dr. Taylor was a good, rather than a great, preacher. His 
sermons were eminently evangelical. As much as any minister 
I have known, he confined his preaching to the vital truths and 
essential duties of the gospel. He had a single eye to the good 
of his hearers. His obvious aim was to instruct, not to amuse — • 
to profit, not to please. His style was plain, but correct and 
nervous. His preaching was never boisterous, rarely declam- 
atory, but generally earnest and pathetic. In his early years, 
when he was wholly devoted to pastoral labor, he seldom 
preached without shedding tears himself and drawing them 
from his hearers. His auditors were likely to retire from 
hearing him, not admiring the sermon or extolling the preacher, 
but strongly impressed with the necessity and the beauty of 
holiness. 

As a pastor Dr. Taylor excelled. His gentle spirit, winning 
manners, deep experience, and unfaltering faithfulness emi- 
nently fitted him for pastoral labors. He took great pleasure 
in this department of his ministry. In imitation of his Master, 



308 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

he fed his flock like a shepherd, gathered the lambs in his arms 
and carried them in his bosom, and gently led the diseased and 
feeble. He could call his own flock by name. He knew their 
abodes, their history, their wants, their woes, and their perils ; 
and he dealt to each one a portion in due season. 

Dr. T. was a man of enlarged views and liberal feelings. He 
was free from selfishness. He was a Baptist, but he rose above 
all the bonds and prejudices of denominationalism. He was a 
lover of good men of every name and caste. He was Southern 
in location, interest, and sympathy, but his afiections were not 
confined within sectional limits. He felt that he belonged to a 
kingdom restricted to no latitude and no clime. He tenderly 
loved his congregation while he was in the pastorate, but even 
when laboring most intensely to promote their welfare, his large 
heart was filled with anxious care for the general prosperity of 
Christ's cause. The Baptists of Virginia do not know, and can 
never fully know, the measure of their obligation to him for 
his devotion to their interests. Of all their Boards he was a 
thoughtful, active, disinterested member. At every meeting of 
every Board he was present, if not necessarily prevented from 
attending, well informed of the business before it, and ready to 
bear his full share of responsibility and of labor. He was a pro- 
gressive minister. He was not one to follow the beaten track 
of toil. He devised new plans of usefulness, pushed forward to 
fresh fields of labor, and accepted success only as the means of 
greater achievements. 

As an author. Dr. Taylor attained to considerable distinction. 
His Life of Lott Cary and of Luther Bice, and his " Lives of 
the Virginia Baptist Ministers," were valuable contributions 
to Baptist literature, and had quite a wide circulation. These 
were but a small part of his literary productions. As Corre- 
sponding Secretary of the Foreign Mission Board and editor 
of the Foreign Mission Journal, he wrote and published what 
w^ould amount to many volumes. To these must be added his 
unpublished and unfinished "History of the Virginia Baptists," 
which occupied his spare hours for more than thirty years. His 
style is simple, neat, easy, in good taste, and well suited to 



LIFE AND TIMES OP JAMES B. TAYLOR. 309 

biography and history. Of all the Baptist ministers of his 
time in the State of Virginia, he has the fairest prospect of 
being known to future generations. 

In conclusion, I may say that my acquaintance with Dr. 
Taylor was intimate for more than forty-five years. A more 
excellent man, a more irreproachable Christian, a more faithful 
minister, I have never known. He was a noble specimen of 
humanity, of which any people in any age might well boast. 
He was a servant of Christ, whom Paul, had he been on earth, 
would have acknowledged as his " true yokefellow." 

The following is from the Memorial Sermon preached by 
Rev. A. M. Poindexter, from which several extracts have 
already been presented : 

Brother Taylor was, at the same time, Corresponding Secretary, Finan- 
cial Manager, General Traveling Agent, and Editor of the Board. No 
one except his immediate family and myself had any idea of the extent 
and diversity of his labors. Nor did I know until I was associated with 
him in the office that there was imperatively demanded more work than 

enough to tax to their uttermost two of the best workers to be found 

Often we worked, with short intervals, from nine in the morning until 
twelve or one at night to prepare for a trip, and then would start and 
travel day and night to reach some distant meeting or to visit some of the 
more out-of-the-way churches, to return and find an accumulation of 
work. 

After I became familiar with the business of the office, I was aston- 
ished that one brother had for so long a time borne up under that which 
had been done. Nor could he have accomplished all that he did had 

not his family aided him The knowledge of this fact I was led to 

elicit by direct inquiry, from noticing evidences of the assistance he had 
r.^ceived. He would never unasked have alluded to it. 

As soon as the Board was reorganized in 1866, I commenced an effisrtj 
which I never intermitted until after the meeting of the Convention in 
1869, to secure the appointment of a young man as assistant to Brother 
Taylor. I was thus pertinacious because I knew that his skill and 
knowledge were invaluable to the Board, and I believed if he were per- 
mitted to toil alone his labors would kill him. I now record my full 
conviction that his life was shortened by his devotion. 

It is hardly necessary for me to dwell upon the manner in which 
Brother Taylor discharged the duties of this office. Hk record is the 



310 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

history of our foreign mission-work. Commencing his labors when we 
were without funds, without missions, without plans for the future, he 
in his quiet and unobtrusive way laid the foundation of successful enter- 
prise, and before the late war had carried the work to a degree of 
success that made the Board a recognized and efficient agency in the 
evangelization of two continents, and had so enlisted the confidence, 
sympathy, and co-operation of the churches as to justify the expectation 
of rapid increase in all departments of the work ; and when, emerging 
from the disasters of that struggle, the Board was found to be largely 
in debt, he renewed his efibrts, and succeeded in paying the debt and 
supporting and enlarging existing missions, and commencing the work 
so gloriously progressing at this time in Italy. 

In doing this he so endeared himself to brethren throughout the 
whole land that his presence in the family or the meeting was ever 
hailed with delight. A brother now before me could testify that to- 
ward the missionaries of the Board he was as a father to his children, 
affectionate, forbearing, helpful — as a brother to brethren beloved, sym- 
pathizing, tender, and devoted — as a friend, ever faithful, careful, and 
attentive to their interests and regardful of their feelings. And his 
relations to the Board were ever those of confidence, kindness, and 
mutual love 

The estimate formed on my first acquaintance with Brother Taylor 
I never saw occasion to change, except that I became increasingly im- 
pressed with his worth. And I think it likely no one who knew him 
ever had two opinions as to his essential character. It was too distinct 
and too transparent to be mistaken. 

His mind was not large and strong, capable of wide reach and the 
thorough investigation of new and intricate subjects. It was not at all 
brilliant, but it was far above the average of respectable vigor and 
range, and, with the exception of a want of imagination, one of the 
best-proportioned and most available that I have known. It was in- 
tensely practical, and some qualification in this direction needs to be 
made of a remark above. In considering the practical bearings of 
events he had a wonderful perspicacity and accuracy. This it was 
which enabled him so to shape influences as to secure the large results 
of labors without straining and without a jar. His plans were like 
some thoroughly adjusted and well-oiled machinery, which worked 
right on to the destined end. I doubt whether he ever did anything 
without maturely reflecting upon the influence it would have upon the 
business of his life. 

His memory was retentive and accurate, especially regarding facts, 
and to this cause was attributed his fondness for historical research and 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 311 

histarical writing. He was remarkable for his love of order and the 
systematic arrangement of all his business. 

His judgment was cautious, clear, and strong. He was rarely in 
error in his decisions. Sometimes he was slow in coming to a conclu- 
sion, but when he had decided the process was apparent, and the result 
satisfactory to his own mind. 

He was scrupulously conscientious, inquiring as to the moral cha- 
racter of all acts, and conforming his course to the true and right. 

As a matter of couiae he was noted for his prudence. He rarely, 
if ever, spoke an unguarded word or did an imprudent act. 

Naturally he was excitable. He had a vivid sense of the ludicrous, 
and in early life, according to his own statement, was very much in- 
clined to levity. This disposition he effectually controlled, but did not 
attempt to stifle. He always enjoyed a good laugh, and was one of 
the most cheerful and genial companions I have ever met. 

All wrong and injustice aroused him to intense indignation. This, 
too, he was enabled by the grace of God to curb, so that, instead of 
acting with volcanic power, it only served to give purity and strength 
and beauty to his character. Benevolence like a pure spring bubbled 
up in his heart. His philanthropy was earnest, tender, active, and 
unbounded. To bring to his notice a case of suffering was to enlist his 
sympathy and to secure his aid, if he deemed it practicable and com- 
patible with prior obligations. 

His attachments were strong and controlling. His Christian love 
was genuine and warm, and grateful as the genial warmth of a mild 
spring morning. His friendships were true, faithful, and unending, 
unless forfeited by sufficient cause. 

His interest in the cause of Christ was intense, unintermittent, prac- 
tical, and effective. Here to labor and to give were rich pleasures. 

Brother Taylor was one of the firmest men I ever knew. When 
satisfied he was right, he was immovable. He was ever willing to listen 
to others, and if new views were presented demanding a change of his 
position, he would cheerfully yield. But his caution and practical 
judgment were such that few such changes were needed. He had no 
combativeness. He would not contest a point with you, but after all 
which he deemed necessary had been said would yield a silent atten- 
tion. Nor was he obstinate. He would cheerfully aid in carrying out 
the views of others where those with whom it was his duty to act 
approved them. But where the responsibility was his, nothing could 
turn him from pursuing his own convictions. And yet he would move 
on so quietly that the result alone in many cases indicated the course 
he had pursued. 

He was a diligent and untiring worker. He did not work rapidly, 



312 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOTl. 

but cautiously and unceasingly, husbanding all the fragments of time 
at home, on his travels, or at the houses of friends. And what he did 
was done. It did not require to be gone over again. Thus he accom- 
plished far more than many who were much more expeditious in exe- 
cution. And yet he was never in a hurry, and rarely appeared to be 
overburdened with his work. I remember being with him at the 
house of a friend when it was necessary for him to leave at night to 
take the cars. He sat conversing pleasantly with the family until the 
time for starting, and then, without the least hurry or embarrassment, 
he bade us adieu. When he had gone a gentleman who had long 
known him remarked, "Mr. Taylor is a most remarkable man. I 
never saw him in a hurry, and I never knew him to be too late." 

His financial ability was very great. This was shown in the manage- 
ment of the mission-work. Quietly, and apparently almost without an 
effort, he secured personally large contributions from churches and indi- 
viduals, and arranged and supervised the agencies needed to supplement 
these so as to meet all the wants of the Board. And the funds thus col- 
lected were husbanded and used with the utmost wisdom and economy. 
I have known agents who could on public occasions collect more than 
he, but I have known none who year by year could do a more profitable 
work. 

Many years ago he had a severe attack of typhoid fever, by which for 
a time his mind was weakened. While recovering his attention was 
attracted to certain property advertised for sale in Richmond. He was 
unable to be present, but arranged to purchase it if it did not exceed a 
certain price. It was knocked off to hira. His friends were alarmed. 
They thought it showed that his mind had not recovered its balance, and 
arranged with the auctioneer (who was a warm personal friend of his) to 
have the sale set aside. Brother Taylor was much displeased, but had to 
submit. Some years afterward I was walking with Archibald Thomas,* 
when, pointing to the property, he related the circumstances and re- 
marked, " We thought him incapable of attending to business, but the 
event has shown that he knew more about it than all of us together. It 
would have been one of the best bargains in real estate ever made in 
Richmond." 

He was not secularized, however, either by attention to the finances of 
the mission or to his personal business. He attended to all such matters 
as Christian duties, and thus his heart, so far from being thereby rendered 
v>orldly and grasping, became more and more, as a general fact, conse- 
crated to Christ. I would hold up his example in this respect to every 
minister, to every Christian, to every man. He has said to me, " I do 

* Long the disinterested and efficient Treasurer of the Foreign Mission Board. 



LIFE AXD TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 313 

not attend to business because I am anxious to accumulate, but God has 
given me the capacity and the opportunity, and I think it my duty to 
use them and thus to increase my means of doing good.'' And that this 
was the general feeling of his heart, the fact that his benefactions, always 
liberal, increased in proportion at least to his resources, is conclusive 
proof. .... 

Converted in early life, reared under Christian home-influences, and 
yielding a simple, earnest, living faith to Christ, he was, when I first 
knew him, a lovely specimen of sanctified humanity. As years increased, 
so grew his piety. The grace of God in him was as leaven leavening 
the whole lump. And at the last it was reserved for the hand of disease 
to bring to light some of the hithertp only partially revealed beauties of 
his character — those exhibited in patient and hopeful endurance of suffer- 
ing and inaction. Oh, it is a hard thing for one who for a long life has 
scarcely known what rest means to be laid aside in pain and feebleness. 
But he bore it without a murmur, doing what little he could, even to the 
last, and then gently fell asleep in the bosom of his family. 

The morning after Dr. Taylor's death, among many other 
expressions called forth by his resignation, affectionate letters 
came from his long and dearly-cherished friends Silas Wyatt, 
Esq., of Georgia, and T. P. Lide, Esq., of South Carolina. I 
replied to these brethren and requested their aid in the Memoir. 
The following paragraphs are extracted from their communi- 
cations : 

[From Mr. Wyatt's Letter.] 
Allingtox Plantations, Georgia, February 7, 1872. 

No death except those of my own household has ever touched my heart 
like his death. He was my unflinching friend through all my pecuniary 
troubles years ago in Richmond. When all others seemed to forsake 
me, he shielded, defended, and encouraged me. 

My acquaintance Avith him commenced in 1833. I was a young man 
lately come to Richmond to reside, having but recently married. I was 
by business association thrown much in the society of Presbyterians, and 
I attended worship at the First Presbyterian Church, then under the 
pastorate of the late lamented Dr. Armstrong. I was often deeply im- 
pressed under his preaching, yet I had no clear views on the subject of 
religion. On a certain Sabbath I remarked, in the presence of a servant 
of the boarding-house, that I had been attending Dr. Armstrong's preach- 
ing for some time, and I would now go to the First Baptist Church, 
where I used to go when a lad during a previous residence in Richmond. 
This servant remarked, " Why do you not go to hear Mr. Taylor ? He 
27 



314 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

is a good preacher and a lovely Christian." My wife and myself imme- 
diately set out for the old Second Baptist Church. I forget the text on 
this occasion ; I only know that my conviction for sin was deepened. 
This was in October. I attended the next Sabbath and the next, and in 
a few days after your father and Brother William Crane called to see 
me at ray residence. The interview, I need not say, was in all respects 
delightful, and on the Sabbath afternoon of the 17th day of November, 
1833, some six or eight of us were baptized near Haxall's Mill. All the 
older members of that church who were present on that occasion, and 
assisted so joyously in the impressive rite, have gone to the better land. 
There were present on that occasion, William and James C. Crane, Jesse 
Sneiid, John Hitchcock, George Stegl, and John G. Wade. They have 
all gone, and now your sainted father. This baptismal season was the 
precursor to a most glorious revival of religion, in which many minister- 
ing brethren took part, and a number, a large number, were added to 
the church. 

The Second Baptist Church at that time was truly a working church, 
and fully equal in all benevolent enterprises to any in the South. I re- 
joice to know that that beloved church has lost none of its zeal in the 
lapse of near half a century, and I doubt not that the leaven which was 
then deposited by the example and the precepts of that man of God has 
been at work to the present time, and will be for years to come. I know 
this much, that his example and his appeals to me forty years ago con- 
tinue to restrain me to this distant day. 

I remember meeting him one day on Main street, Bichmond, when I 
was in great trouble and sorely tried, and in consequence chafed and 
irritable. In speaking about the trouble I raised my hand, as was my 
custom, to give emphasis to what I said, and he gently took hold of my 
arm and in a soft and tender tone said, " Brother W., don't raise your 
hand." I have never since been excited and attempted the same gesture 
that I have not been restrained by that soft admonition. 

Much has been said and written about the neglect of pastoral visiting. 
I do not think I ever heard a solitary complaint of that sort against him 
— most certainly never from the poor of the church ; he was always the 
faithful friend to the afflicted poor. 

Since he has been the Secretary of the Foreign Mission Board, living 
in the far South as I have been for many years, I have seen much of his 
laborious life, and often wondered how he could perform so much labor 
and undergo so much hardship. I remember on a certain occasion, 
during my residence in Charleston, South Carolina, he had been on one 
of his tours to Florida or Southern Georgia, and he on his return had 
to pass through Charleston. He landed from the steamer in the evening 
in a most terrific storm of wind and rain. My door-bell rang, and it 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 315 

was Brother Taylor. It was cold ; we had a cheering fire and a hot 
supper, and supposed we had our guest for the night, but duty called 
him on, and no amount of entreaty nor the cheerful fire and the terrible 
storm without could turn him from what he regarded a duty. So unsel- 
fish was he that he would not have allowed a servant to pilot him to the 
railroad had I not been over-positive with the boy. 

My memory is crowded with the most pleasing incidents as connected 
with him. 

The love and friendship existing between him and myself were never 
for one moment interrupted. I loved him devotedly. He was a wise 
counselor in prosperity, a warm and tender sympathizer in trouble 

[From Mr. Lide's Letter,] 
Darlington, Soutli Carolina, January 29, 1872. 

The death of Eev. Dr. James B. Taylor has caused the sound of 
mourning to be heard throughout the length and breadth of the Southern 

Baptist Convention He proved a worthy successor of his great 

forerunner, the immortal Luther Rice, whose name will go down to 
remotest ages identified with the inception and success of Baptist mis- 
sions in the United States. With him it was a labor of love to write the 
memoir of E,ice. It was a fitting service, for they were truly congenial 
spirits, ordained of God for the accomplishment of glorious results. 
While mourning the death of this dear father in Israel, a ray of joy 
thrilled my soul as I thought of the meeting between his ransomed 
spirit and that of the sainted Bice on " Canaan's peaceful shore." 

God's servants are the common property of the churches. This was 
eminently true of James B. Taylor, for wherever he went he was wel- 
comed as the " beloved disciple." Like the great leader of Israel, he 
was one of the meekest of men. The Psalmist declares, "The meek will 
he guide. in judgment, and the meek will he teach his way." This 
seemed to be verified in the life of our dear brother. This quality, 
coupled with a genial and amiable nature, made him accessible to all 
with whom he was even casually associated. Children in the family 
circle were gently attracted by his presence, and listened with interest 
and profit to his pious conversation. The entire absence of stifihess and 
formality, and the natural ease with which he glided into religious 
topics, gave him a power in the social circle which is rarely attained, 
and which he never failed to use to advantage 

Though, in a sense, a man of one idea, and that the sending of the gos- 
pel to the heathen, he was eminently a considerate and a just man. If 
he failed, therefore, at any time to enlist the interest and the contribu- 
tions of the people in behalf of the cause he represented, he at least 
created no prejudice against it. Not unfrequently in his travels through 



316 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

the States he would find certain localities engrossed with certain enter- 
prises of a somewhat local character. On such occasions, after presenting 
the claims of his own department, he would press the claims of these ob- 
jects with telling effect. His well-balanced mind and sound judgment 
and capacious views readily embraced them all as co-ordinate agencies in 
the great work of general evangelization. He thus made friends wher- 
ever he went, and if he ever in all this region made an enemy, it must 
have been some one who could not bear the image of the Saviour which 
he reflected. 

It has been said that females always admire the qualities of the sterner 
sex which are most unlike their own. This may be true, but they were 
certainly won over by the meekness, gentleness, faith, patience, perse- 
verance, piety of the lamented Taylor. Oh the multitudes of Christian 
women throughout all the land who wept tears of sorrow over the an- 
nouncement of his death, and cherish his memory with profound vene- 
ration and love ! Truly their name is legion 

The closing paragraph of the foregoing fitly introduces the 
following extracts from a letter written by a Christian woman 
who had been many years before a member of his church : 

Leaksville, N. C, February 8, 1872. 

.... When I saw the broad black lines on the Herald and the dear 
name at the head, " Kev. J. B. Taylor," my heart sank, the blow was so 
sudden, so unexpected. I did not feel that I could rise above it. Only 
a few months before I had such a dear, good letter from him, and I hoped 
soon to get another ; and instead of the letter to get the tidings that he 
had been sent for by the Master was a crushing blow. You need not 
wonder that I feel this when I tell you that in the loss of my. dear hus- 
band and child, sister, brother, and father, he was the one to comfort me 
with his prayers and sympathies 

I would send you his letter, written when my father died, but it is a 
relic too precious to part with, as I fear it might get lost, and it is the 
last 1 have of his. In vain I look around for another such to whom I 
can go in my hours of trial and temptation 

I did not intend to write so much, but I loved him, and I love to talk 
about him. May God bless you in the work you are about to commence ! 
I hope you will have in it a likeness of your father. I have not seen 
him for more than fifteen years, yet I shall never forget how he looked 
when I last saw him during a communion season at the Grace Street 
Church. His features are indelibly fixed in my memory, but I want my 
daughter to see how he looked. May the Lord be with you ! 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 317 

[Letter from Dr, Plumer.] 
Theological Seminary, Columbia, S. C, March 18, 1872. 
Rev. George B. Taylor — 

My Dear Brother : In 1842 the Eev. Archibald Alexander, D.D., 
paid me a visit of a week or more in Richmond. In walking on E street 
we met your beloved father, to whom I introduced Dr. Alexander, They 
exchanged a few sentehces, and we parted. Dr, Alexander asked me, 
" What sort of a man is Mr. Taylor ?" I replied, " If I believed myself 
about to die and was able to see any one, I think I would send for James 
B. Taylor." Dr, A. replied, " That is very high praise." I said, '' I in- 
tended it for just commendation." 

I knew your father as early as 1832. I was a pastor in the same city 
with him for more than twelve years. I have often met him since, and 
I never knew him to say or do an unamiable thing. He had, beyond 
many, the meekness of wisdom and the gentleness of Christ. I greatly 
enjoyed both his conversation and his preaching. His sermons, when I 
heard him, were eminently practical, very sweetly delivered, and so 
were always edifying. 

I am glad the public is to have his Memoir. I think, too, you are the 
fit person to write it. I hope you will be encouraged in this work of 
filial piety and of Christian usefulness. Go on. 

The following tribute is from the pen of Rev. C. Tyree of 
Powhatan county, Virginia, author of the " Living Epistle :" 

It is not often that God gives to his Zion a minister of such religious 
worth as he vouchsafed unto us in the character of this excellent man. He 
combined in his character a singularly large number of valuable elements. 
What Dr. Adam Smith most imtruly said of his friend, the famous infidel 
Hume, the writer of this little sketch can truly say of Dr. Taylor. Upon 
the whole, I have always considered him, both in his lifetime and since 
his death, as approaching as nearly the idea of a perfectly wise and vir- 
tuous man as perhaps the nature of human frailty will permit. I have 
never known a minister who could do so many things so well as he 
could 

In the best sense of the word he was a good 'preacher. He was not 
brilliant ; he never electrified by an overpowering oratory ; but for clear- 
ness and simplicity, for naturalness, scriptural n ess, and afiectionateness 
(the chief elements of effective preaching) he was remarkable. He was 
a good writer. With style unborrowed, various, and free from bitterness, 

he made every subject on which he Avrote interesting and profitable 

He was a good pastor. Among all the excellent under-shepherds witli 
27* 



318 LIFE AND TIMKS OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

which our Richmond churches have been blessed, none, in the opinion 
of the writer, approached so near being a model pastor as did the subject 
of this sketch. He was a good agent for missions. This, perhaps, was 
his greatest work. None could plead the claims of the perishing heathen 
with a more effective earnestness than he. To him, more than to any- 
other one man, is to be ascribed the prevalence of the missionary spirit 

among our Southern churches He was*R good presiding officer. 

Other moderators of the General Association may have been better skilled 
in parliamentary law, but none ever filled the chair of this noble body 
with more credit to themselves and satisfaction to the body itself than did 
Dr. Taylor. He was a safe and good counselor. In all of our religious 
gatherings his influence was genial, conservative, and pervasive ; while 
he was firm, he never gave offence by positiveness ; never urged his con- 
victions with unbecoming warmth ; never in argument passed the limits 
of the most delicate courtesy. He was one of the best of Christian fathers. 
By his precept and example he allured his children to Christ, to the 
Bible, to the throne of grace, to holiness, and to usefulness 

These are some of the many things he did well. But he was more 
potential for good by what he was than by what he did. His acts de- 
rived their efiicacy from his character. He was a Christian of a high 
type. His piety was deep-rooted and striking. It breathed in his tones, 
beamed from his venerable countenance, and was displayed uniformly 
and brightly in his conduct. All my recollections of him are harmo- 
nious. I can think of no discord in his beautiful life. His religion 
partook of his temperament, which was cheerful and serene. He spoke 
encouragingly about things that made others despair. His power was 
in his heart and hopeful faith. His piety was not an impulse, but a 
habit; it was warm, but not heated; earnest, but tranquil. His cha- 
racter was distinguished by blandness, mildness, equableness, and har- 
mony. Of all the ministers we have ever known, he most reminded us 
of our great Friend and Exemplar. The root of his character and the 
secret of his power was the marked degree in which he imbibed the 
spirit of Christ. Now that he is gone, it is soothing and elevating to 
study such an embodiment of religious excellency. We do not intimate 
that he was perfect. Our brother fell far below his own standard. He 
was a partaker of human infirmities. The sum of his religion while oa 
earth, and the theme of his song now before the throne, was and is a 
sinner saved through the blood of Clirist. He was, however, a rare 
instance of moral, religions, and ministerial worth. Hence, there never 
lived in this State a minister more universally esteemed. Amid all the 
excellent Baptist ministers that our State has produced, perhaps he was 
most popular outside of his own denomination 

His life suggests many valuable lespns to the rising ministry. One 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOE. 319 

is, that the chief element of usefulness is goodness, and not greatness. 
Another, that the amount of good we do depends more upon what we 
are than upon what we do — that character has greater religious power 
than act. 

The following reminiscence is from Eev. T. W. Sydnor of 
Nottoway county, Virginia, now the General Superintendent 
of Baptist missionary operations among the freedmen : 

Nottoway County, Va., January 6, 1872. 

Those heavy black lines on my Herald tell us that some great and 
good man has passed away. It is James B. Taylor. 

How just the tribute to the dead, and how appropriate the admoni- 
tion to the living, given in the closing lines of the editorial notice ! 
" Brother Taylor is gone, but his example, his reputation and his influ- 
ence are still with us. They are an invaluable inheritance, which we 
should treasure up, and from which we should seek profit and comfort." 

A few weeks ago, at the funeral of E,ev. D. Witt, I remarked that 
there was no one outside of my family for whom I felt such a warmth 
of affection as I did for him. Had I excepted any one, it would have 
been Eev. J. B. Taylor. Brother Witt was my companion in labor for 
about thirty years — my companion in tribulation too — my counselor 
and my comforter. I loved him. Brother Taylor was the guide of my 
youth. Under his ministry I was brought to Christ. He was the 
second Baptist minister I ever heard preach. When a youth of four- 
teen years I was awakened to a sense of my lost condition as a sinner 
under a sermon by Eev. W. S. Plummer, from the text, "Behold, I 
stand at the door," etc. Before the impressions made by that sermon 
were effaced I heard a sermon by J. B. Taylor, from the text, " If thou 
shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord .Jesus, and shalt believe in thine 
heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." 
It disclosed to me the way of salvation through Christ as I had never 
seen it before. Brother Taylor was standing by me, pouring into my 
wounded heart the oil of consolation, when I was enabled to put my 
trust in Jesus. He baptized me. It was a bright and beautiful Sabbath 
morning in June, 1831. Some of the older members of the Second 
Baptist Church in Eichmond will remember the scene. He was the 
first to direct my attention to the work of the ministry. He suggested 
the theme for ray trial-sermon before the church : "I am not ashamed 
of the gospel of Christ." His name is affixed to the license which I 
hold as a minister of the gospel. From the day I first met him till the 
day of his death he was my cherished friend. I loved him. 



320 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

As a judicious and faithful pastor Brother Taylor was a model. As 
an author he performed an invaluable service for the denomination. 
As secretary of our Foreign Mission Board his rci)utation is worldwide. 

Rev. B. G. Manard writes as follows from Bristol, Tennessee : 

.... I owe to him, to a great degree, my love for the cause of 
missions. I met him but once — at the University of Virginia in 18G7. 
I was a member of Brother Abell's Sunday-school, and belonged to a 
Bible-class. Pie asked permission, just before the close of the exercises, 
to make a remark to the class, to Avhich all readily assented. The bar- 
den of his remarks was touching the ministry. He detained us but two 
or three minutes, and yet there was not a dry eye in the class when lie 
retired. I have fostered his words, and have loved him ever since. 

The following is from Eev. E. Dodson : 

Trenton, Tennessee, . 

He was more like John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, than any 
man I ever saw. Who ever beheld him ruffled? He could control 
others because he could control himself. As a pastor I do not suppose 
he had a superior in the South. He visited all his flock, rich and poor. 
If the unconverted were sick, he visited them. In cases of heresies 
sown broadcast over the land, of controversies, ,and of sickness, his 
pastoral visits did great good. He was a good shepherd, and false 
teachers got few of his flock. While he was pastor he obtained hun- 
dreds of subscribers in one year for the Religious Herald. 

The great commission of Christ was never to him a dead letter. 
Like David, he served his generation (not his neighborhood only) 
according to the will of God. 

He was (what every Christian minister and member should be) the 
light of the world. When the Foreign Mission Board (of the old 
Triennial Convention) Avas pressed for funds, he raised in his church 
(Second Church in Richmond), in a very short time, a sum ten times 
larger than whole States now raise in a year for the same object. Gold- 
smith's "Deserted Village" describes him: 

"And as a bird each fond endearment tries 
To tempt its new-fledged offspring to the skies, 
He tried each art, reproved each dull delay, 
Allured to brighter worlds, and led the way." .... 



If he built a church-house, it was capacious, neat, lasting and strong. 
External ornament rots in a short time. Many houses built since Grace 
Street Church was built are now crumbling into ruins. He subscribed 
five hundred dollars himself to the house. If ministers will not sub- 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 321 

scribe, members will not. Like priest, like people. As soon as the work- 
men worked up to the money, be would stop till they raised more. In 
subsequent eftbrts he may have subscribed much more. I think the 
house cost about fifteen thousand dollars. 

His writings have saved many great men and much important history 
from oblivion. 

Of all men in the South, he was the man for Secretary of Foreign 
Missions. His work in correspondence, travels, and collections was very 
laborious. His deep sympathy for the spread of the gospel no doubt 
preyed upon his constitution. " The zeal of thy house hath eaten me up." 
If his mantle could fall on every preacher in the South, the whole world 
would be blessed. 

Dr. Brantly of Baltimore writes as follows to the " Christian 

Index " of Georgia : 

Baltimore, December 23, 1871. 
The telegraphic despatches of to-day inform the country of the death 

of Eev. James B. Taylor of Eichmond You knew him well, and 

you have doubtless prepared a fitting notice of the event so painful to 
those who survive him, but to him so joyful. My acquaintance with him 
goes back more than twenty- five years, and I must say I have rarely, if 
ever, known so good a man. I have known more intellectual, more 
learned men, who could preach with more power ; but for solid Christian 
worth, for an unswerving integrity which commanded universal respect 
and confidence, for uniform and unafiected devotion to Jesus, I have 
known none who excelled him. Then, too, if success be the criterion of 
greatness, he was a great man in Israel. As a pastor, he commanded a 
large congregation, and, under God, built up a powerful church in Kich- 
mond. Though contending through life with a delicate constitution and 
a feeble vocal apparatus, such were the earnestness and sincerity which 
marked all his utterances, such the judiciousness and the pathos of his 
appeals, that none would hear him without being convinced that he was 
indeed an " ambassador for Christ." He united to his fine qualification as 
pastor and preacher, an administrative power of unusual excellence ; so 
that, under the lead of his counsels, the churches to which he ministered 
were harmonious and prosperous. When, twenty-five years ago, he was 
made the principal ofi&cer in the management of our foreign mission 
interests, he developed a business talent which vindicated the wisdom of 
the appointment. He discharged the difficult work of establishing a new 
missionary enterprise and of designating missionaries to their fields in 
such a way as to win the approbation of the entire denomination. But 
he needs not mv eulogy, nor yours. 

V 



322 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

The following is from Rev. R. H. Graves of Canton, China, 
■written on the eve of his recent departure for his field : 

.... During the fourteen years which I spent in China, I heard from 
your lamented father quite frequently every year, except when communi- 
cation was interrupted by the war His letters were always welcome. 

In his correspondence with his younger brethren, as well as in personal 
intercourse, he manifested a paternal interest in their welfare. There 
was no official formality in his letters. He wrote more as a pastor to 
members of his flock, or a father to his children, than as one chosen to 
a high official position by the choice of the churches. 

While evincing this kind and fatherly interest in us personally, he 
never attempted to treat us as if we were children. On the contrary, he 
always deferred to our judgment in the practical working of the mission, 
saying, " You are on the field, and understand these things better than 
we do at home." I think I may safely say that no missionaries were 
less hampered by unnecessary instructions from home than those of the 
Southern Baptist Convention 

The hopeful, cheerful spirit of his letters always made them as so much 
balm to the tired spirit of those too apt to be faint from the hardness of 
the way. His own soul seemed so to rest on the glorious promises of 
God with regard to the conversion of the heathen that he was never dis- 
lieartened by any trial. The constant spirituality of his letters made 
one rise from their perusal with a feeling that his soul had been bene- 
fited. They were not curt business despatches ; nor were they the rest- 
less, stirring, live letters so much praised by some, and yet so suggestive 
of busy will- worship ; but they were rather the calm efi'usions of an 
earnest spirit in communion Avith God, hushed by a sense of his presence, 
even while jubilant through faith in his promises. They came not 
to rasp, but to soothe — not to prick forward the jaded spirit to busy 
activities, but to lead to earnest work by pointing to the promises of 
Jehovah 

Rev. Baylus Cade of Buffalo, West Virginia, by request of 
his church, preached a discourse commemorative of the life and 
labors of Mr. Taylor. It is an eloquent and affectionate trib- 
ute. From it the following extracts are taken. After refer- 
ring to an act of personal kindness on the part of Mr. Taylor, 
the sermon proceeds : 

His residence was near the college, and it was his custom, when the 
duties of his position would permit, to visit the institution. On these 



LIFE AND TIMES OP JAMES B. TAYLOR. 323 

occasions, he would go from room to room and converse, in his sympa- 
thetic way, with the students. If any one was found to be in trouble of 
any kind, he was sure to receive such assistance as it was in Mr. Taylor's 
power to give. He came among them with sympathy and encouragement 
beaming from his face, and he always left them something in the way of 

encouragement I have seen him exhorting and animating them 

to make the best use of their opportunities He seemed to be always 

conscious that there were opportunities of doing good in the humbler 
walks of life, and it was his delight to hunt out the poor and preach to 

them the unsearchable riches of Christ While I was a student at 

the college, I and some other students were conversing with Dr. Taylor 
about the religious interests of the almshouse and the State prison. In 
the midst of the conversation he said, " I love to visit such institutions 
as these, because if Jesus were on earth again he would go to just such 
places." I had listened to learned lectures on ministerial duties, and 
liad read able articles on the visitation of the sick and disconsolate, but 
these simple words, gushing up from a heart full of benevolence, made 
an impression which my mind will retain while it retains anything. 

[Letter from Rev. W. Royal, D.D., North Carolina.] 

I wish it were in my power to contribute a line to the Memoir of your 
father. I have, however, never received from him a letter which was 
not exclusively of a business character. You know that no man in our 
denomination yielded an influence so healthful as his. Others may have 
occupied a larger space, but none filled the space occupied so well and so 
entirely to the profit and good of others as he. I always felt reverence 
and love for him — have known him for twenty-seven years. The first 
sermon I ever heard from him, twenty-four years ago, I have preached, 
in substance, until it is now mine — "And the grace of our Lord Jesus 
Christ was exceedingly abundant," etc. 

[Letter from Mrs. Crawford.] 

Tung-Chow, China, March 26, 1872. 
Mrs. J. B. Taylor, Richmond, Virginia — 

Dear Sister : Our hearts are filled with grief. Kichmond is no longer 
Richmond to us, now that its choicest spirit is gone. The one who gave 
us counsel in our youthful inexperience; who was the last to give us the 
parting hand on our native shores ; who has written to us almost every 
month for more than twenty years ; who has sympathized in our work 
and trials more deeply than any other out of the missionary ranks was 
prepared to do — is gone. When, Sunday after oervices, Mr. Crawford an- 
nounced the fact to our little church, many tears were shed by the native 
Christians^ We hardly know how to adjust ourselves to the change. Of 



324 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

the twenty-six years Brother Taylor was Secretary of the Board we have 
been twenty-one years its missionaries, and to consult with hira in our 
plans seems almost a necessary part of them. May his mantle fall upon 
a worthy successor ! 

Of your loss, beloved sister, what shall I say ? Alas ! I can say nothing 
except that we sympathize with you most deeply in this sore bereave- 
ment. Words of comfort, besides the only Source that is ever present, 1 
doubt not with you would seem mockery, and I forbear. May the God 
of all comfort be your stay and consolation ! 

Amidst many depressing circumstances we are not without much en- 
couragement. We begin to see the faintest signs of life among these dry 
bones. Our congregations are slowly but certainly increasing, the leaven 
of truth is being disseminated far and wide, native Christians are grow- 
ing stronger individually and collectively, a few are preparing to preach 
the gospel to their fellow-countrymen, and others who never expect to 
be ministers are exerting themselves to teach their neighbors and friends 
in a more private way. Mrs. Holmes's and my Bible-women have gone 
into the country to spend a week among the villages. My other woman 
aids in teaching my visitors, and also sometimes goes with me from 
house to house. Some of the women I visit have learned all through the 
Hymn-book or the " Peep of Day," though they are not yet brave enough 
to come to church. When we came here, a few years ago, no women 
would show themselves at chapel except those in our employment ; now 
almost half the congregation are females. 

I am deeply interested in the recently-formed missionary society of the 
Baptist ladies of Baltimore. I hope the sisters throughout the whole 
country will arouse themselves and organize auxiliary societies, and give 
the whole subject a fresh impetus in our churches. The indifference of 
our churches, to foreign missions on the one hand, with the hardness, 
deadness, hatred, and wickedness of the heathen on the other, has some- 
times almost crushed us. But God has sustained us through all, and we 
begin to feel that ''the morning light is breaking." 

Mr. Crawford has just begun his new chapel, and will be exceedingly 
busy until its completion. Although we did not begin to feel the need 
of it until about a year ago, it has now become very urgent. Our effi- 
ciency Avill almost be doubled by having it, and as dear Brother Taylor 
wrote that the Board would doubtless vote the appropriation, Mr. C. 
thought he could wait no longer. It will probably not be done before 
September, and in the mean time will occupy most of Mr. C.'s time in 
superintending it. This we hope will be rather an advantage to Mr. 
Crawford's health, as it has been suffering from too close confinement to 
his study. A number of the workmen read a Scripture lesson to me every 
evening after prayers, and one of them is in a very interesting state of 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 325 

mind. This, in addition to my other duties, presses me very hard, and 
leaves me ahnost no time except odd snatches for reading and writing. 
We need help, and will need it still more when we get the new chapel. 
We have written to Mrs. Graves, secretary of the new society at Balti- 
more, to send us two young ladies to take another girls' school. 

Mr. Crawford desires to join in expressing deep sympathy and great 
grief in the loss which will be felt by so many, and which makes your 
home desolate. He will, however, himself write by this mail. 

[Letter from Rev. T. P. Crawford.] 

Tung-Chow, China, March 30, 1872 
Mrs. James B. Taylor, Richmond, Virginia — 

My dear Sister: Mrs. CraAvford has just read me her note to you, 
in every line and sentiment of which I most sincerely unite. I feel 
deeply grieved to hear of dear Brother Taylor's death, and truly do I 
mourn his loss. Through all our long intercourse he has been to me 
both a father and a friend. Life in a heathen land is at best lonely — 
now that he is gone it will be doubly so. To-day is the anniversary of 
my arrival at Shanghai twenty years ago. Long liave we been co- 
laborers in the great missionary-work. He fell at his post with all his 
armor on ; so may it be with me ! His burdens were greater than mine, 
and I learned to sympathize with him, as he did with me. No one 
can fill his place in this respect; but the great work will go on till 
the heathen shall be given to Christ for his inheritance, and the 
uttermost parts of the earth for his possession. He has gone to his rest 
and reward as a sheaf gathered in in its season. Let us mingle the 
Christian's joy with our tears, and calmly wait our appointed time. It 
won't be long at farthest till we shall follow him to that blessed world of 
rest. 

With heartfelt sympathy for you and all the members of your family, 
allow me to subscribe myself as your true friend and brother. 

Th^ report of the Foreign Mission Board to the Southern 
Baptist Convention meeting in Raleigh, May, 1872, begins 
with the following paragraph : 

This report might well be draped in mourning. The prospect of the 
future and the retrospect of the past are gloomed by the remembrance 
that the moving spirit of our foreign mission cause — to whom, under 
God, more perhaps than to any other agency, was due its deep im- 
bedding in the hearts of our people, and its vigorous prosecution in its 
various fields of labor — is passed away, and the ponderous work, which 
he so meekly and successfully carried forward, is transmitted to other 
28 



326 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

and untried shoulders. The history of foreign missions under the 
patronage of the Southern Baptist Convention is the monument of our 
late Corresponding Secretary, Dr. James B. Taylor. They were founded 
with his counsels, reared under his superintendence, and cheered by 
many triumphs of grace, in accordance with his strong faith, his earnest 
prayer, and his indefatigable labor. His life was missions, and his 
death the missionary's crown. 

At this meeting intelligence was received of the unexpected 
death of Dr. A. M. Poindexter, so long Associate Secretary of 
the Foreign Mission Board. The Convention adopted the fol- 
lowing report of the special comniittee on the death of the 
two Secretaries : 

Whilst submitting to the providential dispensation which has re- 
moved from among us, within the past year. Brother James B. Taylor, 
Secretary of our Foreign Missionary Board, and Brother A. M. Poin- 
dexter, at one time Assistant Secretary, we judge it to be eminently 
proper to express our sense of the loss we have sustained, and to place 
on record this tribute to their worth. 

Brother Taylor has been the principal officer of the Board from its 
origin. In the incipiency of the work, when we were in quest of a man 
to whom such an important trust could be safely committed, all eyes 
were at once turned toward him. He was believed to possess in a higher 
degree than any other man whose services we could command that 
ardent piety, that devotion to the missionary enterprise, that confidence 
of the churches, that equanimity of temper, that peculiar prudence, that 
business capacity, and that unslumbering energy demanded in one about 
to undertake a work beset by manifold difficulties. Now that he has 
gone to his reward, we take pleasure in saying that the trial of more than 
twenty-five years has abundantly confirmed this belief and vindicated 
the wisdom of our early choice. In times of depression he has inspired 
us with his own faith ; in seasons of general apathy his zeal has known 
no intermission ; and in the days of our prosperity his voice has ever 
been heard summoning us onward to yet more extended fields of use- 
fulness. 

Of Brother Poindexter, his associate, we deem it enough to say that 
he was a worthy coadjutor of the earnest Taylor. Of profound piety and 
fervid eloquence, his appeals, when pleading in behalf of missions, were 
wellnigh irresistible. His force of character made him a prominent 
member of every deliberative assembly of our churches, and his con- 
servative and well-balanced mind rendered him at all times a counseloi 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 327 

of rare excellence. In the decease of such a man we feel that we are 
bereaved indeed. 

With hearts afflicted in view of the death of these beloved men of 
God, and yet with gratitude to the Giver of all good for their protracted 
services, together with humble submission to him who has chastened us ; 
therefore 

Resolved, That in the departure from earth of our brethren, James B. 
Taylor and A. M. Poindexter, the cause of missions loses friends who 
in life have proved their devotion by services too valuable to be com- 
puted, and our denomination ministers whose beneficent power will, in 
our view, be felt for generations to come. ♦ 

Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and resolutions, signed by the 
officers of the Convention, be transmitted by the Secretary to the families 
of these brethren, as expressive of the condolence of this Convention with 
them in this hour of their mourning. 

W. T. Brantly, Chairman, 
J. B. Jeter, 
J. A. Broaddus. 



At the meeting of the Baptist General Association of Vir- 
ginia, held in Staunton, -as at the meeting of the Southern 
Baptist Convention, Taylor and Poindexter, though absent, 
were not forgotten. Indeed, they and the lamented Witt were, 
in an important sense, present, and, as was suggested by the 
venerable Dr. Jeter, had much to do with the excellent Chris- 
tian feeling and the lofty purpose characterizing that import- 
ant convocation. The services were opened by an address 
from the moderator. Rev. T. W. Sydnor, from which the fol- 
lowing extracts are taken : 

Sad thoughts come over me, my brethren, as we gather together this 
morning in our annual convocation. I miss from their places some 
who, lo! these many years, have been accustomed to meet with us. 
They will not be here on this occasion, nor shall we again see their 
faces in the flesh. At our last meeting it was announced that our 
beloved brethren, Richard Hugh Bagby and Addison Hall, had ceased 
from their labors. Since then others have fallen, and among them 
some of our wisest, purest, most venerated and most useful men — men 
who were pillars amongst us, and whom we all delighted to honor. 
How can we hold a meeting of the General Association without the 



328 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

presence and the counsel of Daniel Witt and James B. Taylor and 
A. M. Poindexter ? 

Brother Witt was present at the organization of this body. He was 
the first missionary, in connection with a venerable brother still with 
us,* to go out under its auspices. For more than fifty years, as evange- 
list and pastor, he labored most acceptably among all classes of the 
community. Everybody esteemed him, admired him, loved him, and 
honored him. He was rarely ever absent from these meetings, and, 
though never making himself prominent in our discussions, was always 
appointed on important committees — always called to lead our devo- 
tional exercises, and to perform some pulpit service on the Sabbath 
day. He was a preacher — " nothing but a preacher," as he was wont 
to say of himself — and as a preacher he magnified his office. 

Brother Taylor was for twenty years a pastor in the city of Rich- 
mond ; for fourteen years the presiding officer of this Association ; for 
thirty-five years the President of our State Mission Board ; and for 
twenty-six years the Corresponding Secretary of the Board of Foreign 
Missions of the Southern Baptist Convention. How well he discharged 
the duties of these stations the history of our denomination will tell. 

Brother Poindexter was a leader of our hosts, a ruling spirit in the 
Association — first among his equals. No man ever impressed himself on 
this body as did A. M. Poindexter ; no man was so potent in directing 
and controlling its proceedings. What shall we say of his labors out- 
side of the Association ? As pastor of churches in the county of Hali- 
fax, as agent for Columbian College, for Richmond College, for our 
Theological Seminary at Greenville, as Corresponding Secretary of the 
Southern Baptist Publication Society, as Associate Corresponding Secre- 
tary of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Southern Baptist Con- 
vention, he performed for the denomination and for the cause of Christ 
a service the extent and value of which eternity only will disclose. 

Poindexter was cast in a different mould from Witt and from Taylor ; 
and they, though more nearly resembling each other, were in some 
respects very unlike. In the work of the ministry, Witt excelled as a 
preacher, Taylor as a pastor, Poindexter as an expounder of the Scrip- 
tures. In their connection with our great benevolent organizations, 
Poindexter was a sagacious and far-reaching projector, an able and elo- 
quent advocate ; Taylor was an untiring and self-sacrificing worker, 
doing with his might whatever his hands found to do; Witt was a 
genial and quiet helper, ready to every good word and work. In spirit 
and in life each of these brethren resembled the Master — they were 
imitators of Christ; and yet, in their conformity to Christ, each one 

* Rev. J. B. Jeter. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 329 

exhibited plainly his own peculiar characteristics. In gentleness, 
affectionateness, and purity, Witt was modeled after the Lamb of God. 
In benevolence, patience, and self-denial, Taylor followed closely in 
the footsteps of the Man who went about doing good. In frankness, fear- 
lessness, and fervor, Poindexter was as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. 
Witt was a Barnabas, a son of consolation, humble, submissive, meek. 
Taylor was a Cornelius, "a devout man, and one that feared God with 
all his house, giving much alms to the people, and praying to God 
always." Poindexter was a Boanerges, a son of thunder, earnest, im- 
petuous, resolute, resistless. Clear in his conceptions of truth, strong 
in his convictions of duty, jealous for the honor of his Master, when 
aroused on any great question of Christian obligation — and he was 
easily aroused — there was no withstanding the force of his eloquence. 
His utterances, always weighty and powerful, were at times absolutely 
terrific and overwhelming. By his logic and his pathos he carried all 
before him. 

In this connection I will make mention of another esteemed brother, 
who during the past year has been called away from us. I refer to 
L. W. Allen. The homes of our childhood were not far apart. I re- 
member him well as a young man, gay, dashing, ardent, aspiring, 
ambitious, especially of military honor. He was Captain Allen, after- 
ward Colonel Allen. I remember him at a somewhat later period 
as a soldier just enlisted in the army of the Lord, ready to stand up for 
Jesus. I remember him as a war-worn veteran, enduring, to the latest 
period of his life, hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Few 
men were more successful in winning souls. Brother Allen always 
evinced great fondness for me, and I prized his friendship highly. He 
was a genial, generous, noble man 

And now, brethren, let us meet the trial which has come upon us with 
the fortitude and resignation of Christian men. We must not indulge 
excessive grief. Indeed, we have more occasion for joy than sorrow, 
more reason for thanksgiving than repining. While we shed tears at the 
departure of our venerated brethren, let us rejoice and be thankful for 
their long sojourn with us. Let us be specially thankful for the rich 
legacy which, in their good names, their godly example, and their useful 
lives, they have bequeathed to us. Let us be thankful, too, that so many 
of their early contemporaries still live, and that so many strong and 
valiant young men are rising up to take the places of those who are pass- 
ing away from us. Never were our denominational interests so encour- 
aging as at the present time. Never before were we so united as a people — • 
united in doctrine, united in love, united in labor, " of one heart and one 
mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel." Let us thank God 
and take courage. 
28 * 



330 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAME3 B. TAYLOR. 

Look at our State missions. When nearly fifty years ago that " boy- 
preacher" and his associate went out from the county of Bedford, under 
the auspices of the General Association, to evangelize the State, why 
really it seemed to be an unpromising mission. But mark the result! 
Thousands and thousands of souls converted to God, Baptist churches 
planted and Baptist Sunday-schools established all over the land, and 
Baptist principles, like leaven, permeating the entire mass of our popu- 
lation. 

Onr foreign missions are equally hopeful. Our Secretary, it is true, 
has been taken away from us, but not till after twenty-six years of faith- 
ful and successful labor. Already has his place been supplied, and the 
work goes on. Never before has there been so vast and inviting a field 
before us. Africa, China, Italy, Home herself, open to the gospel, and 
the missionaries of the Southern Baptist Convention entering in to pos- 
sess the land. What hath God wrought ? 

Our educational interests are yet more encouraging. On this subject 
our people are thoroughly aroused. To say nothing of numerous other 
institutions of learning, we may point with satisfaction and pride to our 
college at Kichmond and our seminary at Greenville as monuments of 
the wisdom, energy, and Christian heroism of A. M. Poindexter. 

God is opening to us a great door and effectual. Let us enter it, and 
gird ourselves for the work before us, attempting great things for God, ex- 
pecting great things from God. 

The Report of the State Mission Board of the General Asso- 
ciation opens with the following language : 

In common with the whole Baptist brotherhood of Virginia and the 
South, this Board suffered a sore bereavement in the decease of their 
honored President, James B. Taylor, on the 22d of December last. For 
the period of nearly thirty-five years he filled this office, bringing to the 
discharge of its duties that intense zeal for the glory of God, that earnest 
love for souls, and that Avisdom in devising plans for developing the be- 
neficence of the churches which so eminently distinguished this beloved 
servant of God in every sphere in which he labored. Others might faint 
and falter because of the obstacles which oft-times hindered the progress 
of our cause, but his faith in God and in the churches never failed, and 
regarding no difficulties greater than the divine power promised for their 
removal, he ever urged his associates forward in the work of man's sal- 
vation. Impressing his own noble Christian spirit on the policy of the 
Board, he contributed in a very large measure to the success which has 
attended our efforts to evangelize the State. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 331 

In addition to the foregoing references to my father, the fol- 
lowing statements are presented, partly as embodying my own 
views, and partly as suggested by letters which have reached 
me from various persons. 

His mind was symmetrical and well-proportioned, distin- 
guished rather for the balance of all the faculties than for the 
predominance of any one. To great metaphysical acuteness 
and to affluence of imagination or descriptive power he laid 
no claim. His sound judgment and capacity to work contin- 
uously were perhaps among his most distinctive traits. The 
one enabled him to adopt judicious plans, and the other suc- 
cessfully to execute them. From unsound theories he was 
singularly free, while in practical life he seldom made mis- 
takes, or did anything which would neutralize the influence of 
his example and labors. Consequently, few men were more 
sought or more relied on as an adviser, and in deliberative 
bodies, even when he did not tak« a large share in the discus- 
sions, his opinion had great weight. 

Peculiar circumstances all his life stood rather in the way 
of the development of the lighter side of his character. From 
the first to the very last he was chained to the oar, and even 
his studies were more for practical and immediate use than for 
culture, while his imagination was almost neglected. But he 
exquisitely enjoyed some of the finer specimens of imagina- 
tive writings which were occasionally thrown in his way, I 
remember especially, when some of Hawthorne's romances 
came into his hands, with what zest he read them, and how 
strongly he expressed himself as to the writer's power, particu- 
larly in " The Scarlet Letter." He w^as very fond of didactic 
poetry, and had in his early youth committed much of Young's 
" Night Thoughts " to memory. These facts, in connection 
with the unpretending lines he would sometimes throw off* as 
expressive of his own feelings, give intimation that he posr 
sessed capacit/es which under other circumstances might have 
been more developed. Perhaps, however, if among the prizes 
of the future life is the development of the sesthetic nature, 
those who, like him, give up that here in the pursuit of their 



332 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

peculiar vocation for the sake of usefulness, may be no losers 
hereafter. He was endowed with a fair share of analytic 
power, and his mind being what might be called a moral one, 
which, even independent of religious feelings, was fond of con- 
templating moral subjects, he naturally had a homiletic turn 
and possessed considerable facility in sermonizing, especially 
textually. 

While he perhaps had not the taste for discussing specula- 
tive subjects, he had in matters which were practical more 
than the average ability to see clearly and present forcibly 
the strong points of an argument. This appeared in some of 
the papers from his pen on the questions dividing the North and 
the South, and which produced a strong impression at the 
time ; and in papers which on different occasions he prepared, 
defending the policy of the Foreign Mission Board, and which 
always silenced and convinced objectors. He also, at the 
close of the war, presented to the company in which his life 
was insured a written argument in favor of their reinstating 
him, which not only accomplished its object, but called forth 
from the officers of the company the declaration that no law- 
yer could have made one clearer and more cogent. A strong 
paper was also prepared by him in behalf of the General Asso- 
ciation, of which he was then moderator, addressed to the 
Legislature of Virginia, and urging their right to such incor- 
poration as would enable them to receive bequests. 

His business abilities and habits were of the first order. He 
was an excellent judge of the value of property, and whatever 
he bought was almost sure to appreciate.* He kept all his 
accounts with perfect system. His credit in the banks of the 
city was unlimited, and his note as good as gold. He had the 
faculty, too, of transacting business without being harassed by 
it. He could draw up an ordinary business-paper as well as a 
lawyer, and prepare a plan and specifications of a building 
with the taste and skill of an architect. These qualities greatly 

*\Yben the building of a chapel in the suburbs of Richmond was under con- 
sideration, some one said, "If Brother Taylor will buy a lot and build there, 
the neighborhood will be sure to improve." 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 333 

promoted his usefulness both as pastor and secretary, and in 
his relations to the Richmond College, as indeed they did in all 
his benevolent labors. What he did in the way of accumu- 
lation was incidental. He once told me that up to that time 
he had never bought a piece of property as a speculation, or 
apart from some use that he had for it, and that he had never 
bought one which had not risen in value. He often said that 
had he chosen to turn his attention to it he might have been a 
rich man, but that he had never been willing even to risk being 
drawn away from higher things or the diminishing of his use- 
fulness ; and that what he did in the incidental way that has 
been indicated, with little expenditure of time or care, he did 
from a sense of duty as Christ's steward. The best business- 
men in Richmond said had he devoted himself to business he 
would have been one of the wealthiest men in the city. 

Dr. Jeter has referred to his liberality. It is certain that he 
gave systematically, and under a sense of responsibility, to the 
great benevolent enterprises of the day. Some who knew best 
his resources and the claims upon him thought he quite reached, 
if he did not sometimes transcend, the bounds of prudence. 
Besides this, he gave from benevolent impulse to individuals, 
often to those who had appealed elsewhere in vain. During 
the last two or three years of his life he was pecuniarily strait- 
ened by the war, and he was seeking to extricate himself, so as 
to leave his little estate unincumbered ; but he said that he had 
no idea of withholding, or even largely diminishing, his contri- 
butions, which he regarded as a part of his legitimate and ne- 
cessary expenses. 

His amiability and gentleness were apparent to all, but those 
who did not know him well perhaps did not realize the per- 
sistent force and the habit of close scrutiny which distinguished 
him. " It was a great mistake," said a lady, " to think, be- 
cause he was so quiet and complained and criticised so little, 
that he did not see. He saw everything. He was the most 
observant person I ever knew. Nothing escaped him." 

His quiet self-control under wrong was the more remarkable 
because he was very sensitive, and felt injury, suspicion, and 



334 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

sharp criticism keenly. So susceptible was he that only prin- 
ciple and discipline prevented him from being morbid ; but 
they did give him over such tendencies a complete triumph. I 
have seen him for the moment annoyed or wounded, but he 
would quickly recover himself, and show, by a sweet smile and 
a pleasant word, that all was right. Under the various griev- 
ances that he was called to bear he not only did not yield to irri- 
tation, but he made no demand upon the sympathy even of 
those who would readily have responded to his demand. " He 
burned his own smoke." Though by no means reticent or un- 
communicative, but just the reverse, he frequently refrained 
from mentioning to his family painful experiences, preferring 
to bear them alone rather than distress those he loved, or excite 
their dislike against persons who had injured him. And yet 
it is hardly proper to speak of his bearing these troubles alone ; 
for, while not deficient in natural fortitude, it was not upon 
himself but upon God that he relied. He once said on his sick 
bed, when a member of his family was feeling aggrieved with 
some person, "-Don't tell men; tell God. I have generally 
found three minutes spent in prayer would calm my mind and 
give me peace." 

After referring to an incident in Mr. Taylor's pastoral career 
very painful in its character. Dr. Poindexter says : " While I 
was associated with him as Secretary of the Foreign Mission 
Board, a similar trial, though more aggravated in its details, 

was inflicted It was a great sorrow to him. I could see 

it, could feel it, in the softer tone and quivering of his voice, as 
in the mission-room we bowed to ask a blessing on our daily 
work. But not an unchristian resentment, not one harsh feel- 
ing, did he manifest, not one complaining or vengeful word 

did he utter Several times during the seven years of 

our joint secretaryship the misconduct of individuals much dis- 
tressed him. But no provocation could cause him to return 
' railing for railing,' and it seemed to me that every provocation 
only filled him with pity, and intensified the earnestness of his 
prayers for the offenders." * 

*• " Memorial Sermon." 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 335 

He seemed to be free from that almost universal passion to 
tease, and readiness to take pleasure in the embarrassment and 
pain of others. I never heard him indulge in anything of the 
kind, and I believe it always displeased and grieved him to 
hear it. If an older person were teasing a child, who perhaps 
could not fully defend himself, it gave him unfeigned pain, 
and if he did not speak his gravity showed plainly enough 
what his feelings were. 

But sympathy for the weak and injured would yield to for 
giveness for the w^rong-doer on the first manifestation of peni- 
tence. Indeed he was lenient in dealing with those very faults 
in others to which in Ijimself he either had no tendency or 
showed no quarter. More than once reproved by the " awful- 
ness of goodness " in him, I have felt depressed and guilty, but 
his gentle and encouraging mien would reassure me, making 
me not less humble, but more hopeful. He was careful mainly 
to set a good example, quietly show when he disapproved of 
anything, and then treat the erring ones with nothing but 
kindness. I do not think he ever spoke with* harshness to a 
child or servant in his life. There were minor matters about 
which he was particular himself, but he never seemed to wish 
to impose his own views and habits on others, even his chil- 
dren. I remember once, when he was at my house and several 
of his children were there, that we had all gotten into a gay 
mood which had rather degenerated into levity. Father did 
not seem to enter into it, and we instinctively felt his disap- 
proval, though he said nothing. At length he left the room, 
and some one said, " There ! we have driven him away by our 
foolishness." "Oh no," said another; "I know father better 
than that. He has gone to get us something, and pretty soon 
he will return with some bundles and say, ' Here, S., is a little 
present I have gotten for you.' " In a few moments he re- 
turned, and with the predicted bundle, which he delivered with 
almost the very words which it had been said he would use. 
We involuntari,ly laughed out, to his great surprise, till we told 
him the reason, when he joined heartily in the laugh. 

His fondness for Nature and his love f the country have 



336 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

been referred to in the narrative. He was also fond of culti- 
vating the soil. The little farm which he bought for his father 
greatly interested him. He had a map of it of his own draw- 
ing, with all the different fields, and would besides make plots, 
indicating in what crops different fields would be put ; he read 
carefully an agricultural periodical, and would try experi- 
ments with various modes of culture, seeds, and fertilizers, 
making careful memoranda of processes and of results ; in fact, 
he was as much in the habit of making memoranda of all kinds 
as Jefferson himself. But he was not, as is often the case with 
a man living in town, a mere amateur farmer, but on the con- 
trary practical, and generally successful. In his later years 
he had a large garden, which he worked mainly with his own 
hand in the early morning, and which, under his skillful and 
industrious management, yielded a bountiful supply of fruits 
and vegetables. Had he been a farmer, his would have been 
a model farm. He was very fond and careful of brutes, and 
took great pleasure in preparing the food for his cows and 
giving it to them. His gentleness extended even to inanimate 
things. I question whether he ever broke a twig or plucked a 
leaf in mere wantonness. 

Man-of-all-work as he was, and generally resting from one 
work only by taking up another, he by no means disdained 
play, but on occasion could enter upon it w^ith a boyish zest. 
And when he played, he played well, and was not unfrequently 
a winner if the play was one, such as ball or marbles or cro- 
quet, which admitted of a winning side. 

On one occasion a large family-party was gathered at his 
house, and a debating society was extemporized. He entered 
into it with as much interest as any of the young people, 
listened to the speeches, and when his time came got up and 
made his speech. 

His willingness now and then to join in the sports of his 
children and grandchildren was doubtless mainly due to his 
wish to make them his companions. He carried this to the 
extent of talking to them and allowing them to talk to him 
"with the utmost freedom ; even encouraging them to offer sug- 



LIFE AND TIMES OP JAMES B. TAYLOR. 337 

gestion and criticisms, and permitting them, when they chose, 
freely to controvert his opinions. Upon matters in which 
others might happen to be better informed than himself he was 
always willing to be corrected, and with him to accept a correc- 
tion was practically to conform to it. If in a discussion he 
became convinced that he was in error, he would acknowledge 
it with candor ; and if an opponent turned out to be wrong, he 
never said, " I told you so." 

He would not have been regarded as at all brilliant in con- 
versation, and yet few were more pleasant companions than 
himself. Other men stimulated me more and drew out more 
my own mental resources, but no other person in the world 
affected me so much as he did by his mere presence. His 
looks and tones and spirit were full of sunshine, and always 
calmed my restlessness, scattered my vapors, and filled me 
with peace and love. When I was a child and sick, it seemed 
to make me well to have him enter the room ; and after I grew 
up his visits to my home always gave me fresh inspiration. 

In discipline he relied on example rather than precept ; he 
counseled and suggested rather than commanded; he trusted, 
encouraged, and praised. The result was, that his children 
feared his displeasure and prized his approval, and felt no 
temptation to allow their freedom to degenerate into irrev- 
erence. His power to infuse into the erring hope of improve- 
ment, without letting down the standard of right, was remark- 
able. In my own boyhood I often heard him preach w^hen I 
felt very wicked and very despondent of ever being good. The 
result always was to fire me with new purpose and with new 
hope. I was made to feel that I could, after all, be good — not 
because goodness was easy of attainment, or I was strong, but 
because the gospel and the Saviour and the Holy Ghost met 
all my wants as a sinner and a tempted one. Bat it was not 
merely the truths he preached, but his indescribable spirit, 
which produced these effects ; no doubt more palpably on me, 
but on others as well. 

He encouraged his children not only by words, but by re- 
wards for good conduct or by gifts which should lead them to 
29 W 



338 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

be worthy of the kindness shown. These were mainly books. 
When I remember his limited meaLs as his children were 
growing up, I find myself surprised at the number and value 
of the volumes given us. There was scarcely a standard writer 
for the young whose works were not to be found in our little 
bookcase. Barbauld, Edgeworth, Sherwood, Sedgwick, Har- 
riet Martineau, Jane Taylor, Hannah More, T. S. Arthur, John 
Todd, Gallaudet, and Jacob Abbott, all aided to make ours a 
happy childhood. Especially were his returns from journeys 
made happy to us and to him, not only by our common joy at 
meeting again, but by the parcels which we learned to expect, 
and which afforded equal delight to the giver and the re- 
cipient. 

The letters in this volume, which are but specimens of hun- 
dreds of others, show how domestic were his tastes, and how he 
lived in the love of his home-cirxjle. As his children grew 
older, he ceased not to follow them with whatever he could do, 
little or great, for their pleasure. On one and another occasion 
he made his personal plans or convenience yield in order to be 
their escort or guide in a trip ; and a more delightful and effi- 
cient traveling-companion there could not well be. My first 
visit to New York was made thus in my youth, and how fresh 
in memory are his assiduity and kindness in showing me all 
that was to be seen ! 

As we settled in life, he followed us with his counsel and sym- 
pathy and aid, and often brightened our homes and cheered us 
in our despondency. In our perplexities he was our safe and 
ready counselor ; in our sore trials, our tender comforter. Now, 
in every emergency, we instinctively turn, as if to him ; and in 
the very affliction of his own death I have seemed to myself 
to be half expecting just such a letter of sympathy as he often 
wrote. 

There is in every life rising above that of mere impulse an 
indwelling spirit, an underlying and governing principle, of 
which all the external career is but the exponent. Of his life 
the principle was a desire and purpose, amounting to a passion, 
to tax his powers to their utmost to do, in all ways and by all 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYliOR. »S39 

means, good of all kinds, but especially spiritual good, to his 
fellow-men, and so to please and honor his divine Master. He 
was, in his way, an ambitious man. He desired and attempted 
to do well what he did. But his ambition was chastened by 
his desire for usefulness, and he would never refrain from 
doing the best he could because he could not reach either his 
own ideal or the expectations of others. He chose to win a 
soul, even though he might sink his pulpit reputation in the 
effort. 

As a biblical critic and sermonizer he was cautious, rever- 
ential, and safe ; and a quarter of a century before that noble 
book, on the " Composition and Delivery of Sermons," he not 
only for himself sought to get the idea of the text and make it 
the basis of the discourse, but always insisted upon it as a car- 
dinal point, and strongly condemned the improper use of a 
passage of Scripture. 

His enjoyment in preaching was m^ly spiritual. Some- 
times, indeed, he felt the delicious thrill which comes to the 
public speaker when his mind is glowing with the truth and 
he feels his power over his audience— a thrill which even an 
unconverted preacher might experience — ^but for the most part 
his satisfaction was due to the fact that he was doing Christ's 
will, and bearing a precious gospel which Jesus had promised 
should not be preached in vain. With these sentiments he 
was quite willing to preach whenever there was an opportu- 
nity — willing, indeed, to preach when circumstance were un- 
propitious, and if need be to throw himself into a breach. 
Dr. W. A. Baynham, in an affectionate letter, calls attention 
to the fact that at the Dover Association in Matthews county, 
many years ago, when Dr. Jeter and Andrew Broaddus had 
both sat down in despair,* he consented to preach, and did 
preach a useful sermon. With his feelings, if he seldom rose 
to a lofty height, he, on the other hand, hardly ever failed to 
preach a sensible, instructive gospel sermon. 

He preached often — perhaps few ministers, not laboring as 
evangelists, preached more frequently than he. 

* The incident, so far, is detailed in the " Memoir of Andrew Broaddus." 



340 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

Hence, though a less powerful preacher than many, the 
aggregate of good may not have been less. On grand occa» 
sions, when there were many ministers, he had no ambition to 
be put up, though even then, if appointed, he would, never 
decline ; but if duty called, it mattered little to him whether 
he addressed a handful of poor people gathered in a dwelling, 
or a fashionable congregation in New York, or the crowd in 
the White Sulphur ball-room, or the congregation at the 
University of Virginia. Whatever his personal feeling may 
have been, he thought not of that, but as an ambassador of 
Jesus Christ was ready to deliver his message in the best way 
he could ; and this he often did, if not with power, yet with 
exquisite pathos. His grand . trait as a preacher was that 
which is, after all, the chief trait to be sought by a minister — 
unction. This appeared even more in his prayers than in his 
preaching. Dr. Alexander, in his " Thoughts on Preaching," 
says that there are tones of the voice in prayer which cannot 
be affected, and which are not the result of mere natural emo- 
tion, but are the gift of the Holy Ghost. Those tones in 
prayer he had, as all felt who heard him pray. "I always 
loved," says Dr. Fuller, " to have him pray before I preached." 

His fondness for didactic poetry has been referred to. He 
often quoted in his sermons from Young and from Blair's 
"Grave." Not long before his death I heard him preach 
from " Love not the world," etc. In the course of the sermon 
he spoke of the folly of old men clinging to the world with 
inordinate affection, and quoted, with fine effect, the lines — 

"Shall we, shall aged men, like aged trees. 
Strike deeper their vile root, and closer cling. 
Still more enamored of this wretched soil ? 
Shall our pale withered hands le still stretched out, 
Trembling at once with eagerness and age ?" 

That sermon, like many of his sermons, affected me in this 
way : I was looking for something that would strike and 
powerfully impress me. That did not come. But the total 
impression was the folly and guilt of loving the world, and it 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 341 

was strongly made on my mind. I thought then of an illus- 
tration once used by Dr. B. Manly, Jr., in which he said that 
J. S. Reynoldson's sermons produced their effect, not by a 
powerful impact, but gently and pervasively, like the bath at 
the Warm Springs. 

One thing was true of all his preaching. It was evangel- 
ical. He did not moralize or sentimentalize, or paint fancy 
pictures. He preached the gospel; doctrine. Christian expe- 
rience, and duty being presented in due proportion. 

I might think my own estimate of the effectiveness of his 
preaching was exaggerated by filial affection, and by taking 
my own feeling as the measure, had not so many cases been 
brought to my attention, since I have been preparing this 
volume, of persons to whom his sermons had been greatly 
blessed. One minister says in substance: He often came to 
our town, and it was remarked that he never preached a ser- 
mon there that good was not known to come from it. Another 
minister tells of how his own soul was raised by one of his 
sermons out of the depths of gloom. Then there is the case 
of a lady who said she had never till hearing him gotten hold 
of the true idea of life, though long had she been a child 
of God ; while yet another saint said he had given her new 
and sweeter conceptions of heaven than ever she had had before. 
A Virginia minister * says : " I first heard the Rev. James 
B. Taylor at the Albemarle Association at Liberty, Albemarle 
county, in 1849. He preached a sermon from the text, 'The 
kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord 
and of his Christ ;' and while every other speech and sermon 
of that meeting has faded from my memory, the recollection 
of his sermon remains almost as fresh as if it were but yester- 
day ; and although I have heard many able missionary dis- 
courses since, never have the glory and certainty of the tri- 
umph of Christ's kingdom been so vividly and deeply im- 
pressed upon my mind." 

Dr. A. M. Poindexter communicates the following : " Dr. 
Jeter, speaking of the reputation of preachers, says : * I would 

* Rev. J. S. Brown, 
29* 



342 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

rather have the reputation of James B. Taylor than any 

minister I know. You will hear persons say, Dr. 

preached a powerful sermon to-day — but ; Mr. preached 

a very able discourse — but; Mr. preached a most elo- 
quent sermon — but ; Mr. Taylor preached a good sermon, and 
no ' buts.' " 

In his early ministry, indeed probably up to 1850, he was 
more animated in his delivery, and was much in demand and 
very successful in protracted meetings. Subsequently the fre- 
quency with which his casual sermons were blessed to the 
conversion of sinners was remarkable. 

The following reminiscence is furnished by Rev. C. Tyree, 
D.D. : " While at the White Sulphur Springs, in the summer 
of 1870, I heard Dr. Taylor preach the last and best sermon I 
ever heard from him. It was from that rich passage, * For 
what the law could not, in that it was weak through the flesh,' 
etc. (Romans viii. 3). It was a scripture that never, in any of 
the sermons I had read and heard from it (and I had read and 
heard many), had been clearly explained to my mind. I had 
long sought a connected, satisfactory, realizing view of it. The 
sermon of my endeared brother met this want of my mind and 
heart. Its matter and manner deeply moved me and all who 
heard it. I do not remember ever to have seen an audience 
at any watering-place so deeply interested in a sermon. Nor 
do I remember ever to have heard a sermon better adapted to 
win the thinking and the anxious to Christ. In all the ser- 
mons I had previously heard from Dr. Taylor (and I never 
heard him without profit and pleasure), his voice, though mild 
and pleasant, had seemed to lack sufficient variety to produce 
deep and immediate effect. But in the sermon I am sketching 
liis feelings and voice rose and varied with the great truths of 
his text. When he was speaking of the inadequacy of the law 
to ajQfbrd the sinner either pardon or purity, and of the all- 
sufficiency of Christ to procure and effect both, his manner 
grew to an earnestness, and his voice to a melting pitch, that I 
had never witnessed nor heard from him before. I wondered 
if the heterogeneous, fashionable audience was as much en- 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 343 

grossed as myself. On looking around, I discovered that all 
eyes were intently fixed on the venerable man of God. The 
very truth that all present most of all things needed was beam- 
ing from the countenance, thrilling from the tones, and welling 
up in the clear, logical utterances of one who preached as if he 
felt and believed every word he spoke. Sinai with its terrors, 
and Calvary with its atoning, melting scenes, the law in its 
rigid, merciless demands, and the gospel in its life-giving, life- 
sustaining power, were so clearly distinguished, and the claims 
of the latter so earnestly urged, that all were impressed, and 
many felt that the grandest and most important thing in this 
universe was the vicarious and renewing gospel of the Son of 
God. Many left that service with clearer views and deeper 
appreciation of the religion of Jesus. The mild appearance of 
the preacher, the central greatness of his theme, and the clear- 
ness and tenderness with which he presented it, made an im- 
pression for good that will survive time and the resurrection- 
trumpet." 

His success in work strictly pastoral was due to three causes 
— his desire for usefulness, his spirituality, and his genuine 
interest in human beings. This last made visiting and con- 
versation a pleasure to him, while it drew men strongly to 
him. They loved him because they saw that his approaches 
to them were made not officially or perfunctorily, but because 
he really loved them and desired to do them good. Hence, 
few men ever had more or more devoted personal friends. 
Nor was work of this kind confined to his pastoral career and 
to his own city. Not only did he during his secretaryship do 
much of it in Richmond, but wherever he went he threw him- 
self in, and was ready to call especially upon aged and afflicted 
and imprisoned persons, as if he had been their pastor ; while 
on his journeys he constantly found and improved the oppor- 
tunity to warn and direct and comfort strangers with whom 
he might be thrown. 

On several occasions I accompanied him to see persons in 
Charlottesville and Staunton who were in jail awaiting trial. 
One of these was a Baptist, and had been incarcerated under 



344 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

most painful circumstances. The moment he heard of it he 
said, " Let us go and see him ;" and we went. Such blended 
solemnity and gentleness I never saw ; such a prayer I never 
heard — begging a blessing on the family under the great trial, 
and asking that the prisoner might have right views and feel- 
ings, and that he might be sustained and directed of God. A 
correspondent of the New York Herald took occasion to cen- 
sure this visit, and even a worthy Christian of the community 
spoke of it doubtingly, unless indeed we had gone to tell the 
man of his guilt. I mentioned it to father, and he replied, 
" He may be guilty, and I do not approve his course, though 
he had great provocation, but he was none the less to be pitied, 
and was a fit subject for the sympathy and prayers of a Chris- 
tian." 

His sympathy for the suffering was genuine and intense — so 
intense, indeed, that it would have preyed upon him had it not 
found an outlet in active effort to comfort and relieve. It was 
awakened whenever and wherever there was an occasion. 
Constantly in his diary we find him speaking of his sympathy 
for this or that person. 

His visits to individuals in his journeys are thus referred to 
by Dr. J. A. Broadus : " I used to be struck, when he came to 
Charlottesville during my pastorate, with his care in calling to 
see a number of persons, chiefly old or infirm or widowed ; and 
though he might have but three or five minutes to stay, they 
would be very apt to mention his visit to me, when I saw them, 
as having not only gratified but profited them. I concluded, 
from repeated instances of this sort (I mean on the occasions 
of repeated visits to Charlottesville), that he had in a remark- 
able degree the somewhat rare talent for making short and 
'profitable religious visits." Dr. Broadus also, in commenting 
before his class at the seminary upon Paul's personal friend- 
ships, as indicated by the messages to individuals at the close of 
his letters, cited Mr. Taylor's case as parallel to and illustrat- 
ing the apostle's ; referring to the fact that he had all over the 
South so many loved and loving Christian friends, to whom he 
would send greeting when he wrote his ofiScial letters. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 345 

Many of these friendships dated from his first tours to the 
South. Dr. B. Manly, Jr., referring to his first appearance in 
Alabama in behalf of the Board, said that it was not this or 
that thing that he did or said, but it was everything about the 
man and his spirit and manner that made every one love him 
at once. 

Nor did he confine his efforts for the spiritual welfare of 
men to strangers. On the contrary, he sought to do good to 
those near to him. This was especially true in reference to 
the servants of the family. His son would often hear him 
earnestly urging the claims of personal religion upon the men 
working in the field. In his latter years he would frequently 
go into the kitchen to warm his feet, and when he did so he 
would generally take the Bible and read aloud to the cook. 
And his whole conduct and spirit were such that, contrary to 
what is often the case, those persons who saw most of him in 
daily life were just those who would be most influenced and 
affected by anything he might say on religious subjects. He 
so bore himself, and showed such a spirit in all the daily inter- 
course and business of life, that the introduction of personal 
religion by him at any time seemed as appropriate as it cer- 
tainly was congenial to his own feelings. 

In some cases he labored earnestly for the salvation of those 
who were, to all human appearance, the most hopeless sub- 
jects, and afterward had the satisfaction of seeing them turn 
to the Lord. He once wrote an affectionate letter to an infidel, 
urging him to seek the Saviour. The reply was rough even to 
rudeness, and fall of scorn for the writer and his message ; 
but this lion was afterward changed into a lamb. 

When occasion offered he would urge upon Christians whom 
he met the duty of laboring for the salvation of souls. A lady 
of another denomination writes : " Language seems to fail me 
in attempting to express the reverence I have always felt for 
your father's holiness of character and his faithfulness in 
endeavoring to win souls to Christ. I have never known any 
minister of any denomination who, in my judgment, excelled 
him in those particulars. I am personally indebted to him 



346 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

for the kindest exhortations before and after I made a pro- 
fession of religion ; and as often as he was a guest in my house 
I never knew him fail to speak on these all-important sub- 
jects to the servants and every child with whom he might be 

thrown I well remember one occasion, in particular, 

when he earnestly advised me to speak for Christ whenever I 
could. This he considered the imperative duty of all Chris- 
tians. He cited the good which Harlan Page had effected in 
the conversion of sinners by his untiring efforts for those 
around him. He also gave me a very remarkable case in his 
own experience." 

A minister of Virginia * refers to him as a great harmonizer. 
" Often," says he, " have I known him, after brethren had be- 
come a little heated by debate, to offer some compromise reso- 
lution, which, enforced by a few kind arguments from him- 
self, would completely reconcile opposing brethren." It may 
be added that his letters and diary mention numerous cases in 
his journeys in which he was able to act the peacemaker, rec- 
onciling brethren and adjusting difficulties in churches. 

He knew well how to condescend to men of low estate. If 
at some gathering he was thrown with a humble brother, or a 
young and diffident person who had perhaps never attended 
an associational meeting before, he would take such a one 
under his care, and do all he could to make him have a pleas- 
ant and profitable time. I well remember one signal instance 
of this kind ; and the brother thus treated will revere and 
love him while he lives, while he at the same time received 
views and impressions from the intercourse that will last as 
long. 

Though a lover of all good men, and unusually free from a 
bigoted sectarianism, he held with great earnestness, and re- 
garded as of vital importance, the distinctive principles of the 
Baptists. He greatly deplored any tendency to free commu- 
nion, regarding it, in Baptists, as originating in a rationalistic 
spirit and mistaken ideas as to the nature of Christian union. 
We had a long conversation on the whole subject a few weeks 

* Rev. J. S. Brown. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 347 

before he died. He expressed hinfself very strongly on these 
' points. On some minor matters we differed. He was meekly 
persistent, and finally convinced me that he was right 
from first to last. Especially did he insist that Baptists, 
while they should ever be meek and humble and free from 
boastfulness, should yet, with all dignity, stand up for the 
truths of which they are the champions, and avoid anything 
which might indicate that they did not regard those truths as 
of great importance. 

He believed strongly in developing all the gifts of all Chris- 
tians. On one occasion we were calling together upon two 
young married ladies who were stopping for a day at the 
hotel on their way to the mountains. They and their hus- 
bands were Baptists. The subject of their church came up, 
and it was mentioned, somehow, that their husbands did not 
pray in public, being, as the wives alleged, incapable from 
diffidence of doing so. I half took ground with the ladies, 
urging, at least, that there were many who could not pray to 
edification. This he would not allow. We argued it stoutly. 
I plead for a diversity of gifts, and cited the case of a member 
of my own church who did everything else, but I believed 
could not pray acceptably in public. He said I ought to keep 
on trying, and probably he would develop that gift too. That 
member subsequently became my main reliance in the prayer- 
meeting. 

His style as an agent was quite his own. He stated the facts 
of the case and appealed to the highest motives, relying upon 
this course rather than upon fervid declamation. " His method 
of collecting," says Dr. John A. Broadus, " was of the fertilizing 
sort. He left people more friendly to him and his cause after 
giving, so that next time they would give more cheerfully, if 
not more largely. Two or three times I wrote and asked him 
to come when it was time to collect for missions, because I 
knew the effect would be good." Kev. J. A. Chambliss kindly 
enclosed two or three letters which the Corresponding Secre- 
tary addressed to him during his South Carolina pastorate, 
asking for or acknowledging funds ; and adds : " They are, for 



348 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

their purpose, model letters, and I suppose he wrote thousands 
such." While he appealed only to the highest motives in 
asking for contributions, in acknowledging them when sent to 
him he would not only express his personal gratification, but 
commend the zeal and liberality which had been shown. I once 
asked him about it, and he said he was following apostolic 
example, and that he did it not merely to please and to en- 
courage, but because it was right. Rev. C. H. Ryland says : 
" He was not one-ideaed nor one-sided. He looked on the whole 
field and desired the wliole work to go forward. He never was 
jealous of other agents — never tried to ' cut them out,' but ad- 
vised with them and helped them when he could. My strong 
personal attachment to him was greatly promoted by his bear- 
ing toward me while I was, like himself, an agent." 

Nothing was more characteristic of those aged ministers with 
whom he was contemporary than the way in which they re- 
garded and treated their younger brethren in the ministry. 
. This was emphatically true of him. He was always ready to 
encourage them, and to rejoice with unen vying admiration in 
their gifts and attainments. Several brethren have testified 
warmly on this point. One * says : " I had just graduated, and 
was on the train, not knowing what I was going to do, and 
feeling very blue. He was on board, saw me, seemed to divine 
my feelings, and came over and began to talk with me. 
I opened my heart to him" which relieved me. He spoke 
very encouragingly, and closed by saying, ' Well, in all 
thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths.' " 
Another f says : " I first met with your father at the Potomac 
Association in 1859. We were entertained at the same house. 
At night he conducted family worship. I well remember the 
impression made upon me at that time as to his character — an 
impression that subsequent acquaintance never dimmed, and 
which, I doubt not, will be confirmed in heaven. The spirit 
and unction of his prayer seemed to pervade me. I felt that 
he was one who 'walked with God.' I sought his acquaint- 
ance, and years of intercourse and observation deepened my 
* Kev. J. C. Long. f Rev. J. B. T. Patterson. 



LIFE AND TIMES OP JAMES B. TAYLOR. 349 

veneratioD and regard. When I removed to Virginia I settled 
upon him in my mind as the one whom I would consult when 
I thought I needed advice. I always found him easily ap- 
proached, kind, and ready to impart instruction or advice, and 
all know what a judicious counselor he was. I never heard 
any one else preach at Associations when I could hear him, for 
I always felt benefited spiritually by his sermons. I feel 
greatly indebted to him for sympathy in a time of trial, nor 
can I ever forget the tenderness and heartiness of his counsel 
at that time. Indeed it seems to me that he took an unusual 
interest in my welfare, as I never met with him that he did not 
inquire particularly into my personal and ministerial pros- 
perity. I feel that I have lost a personal friend and spiritual 
father, and it touches me more deeply because there are very 
few, if any, to whom I could unbosom myself as I could to 
him." 

In his latter years he was far less prominent in general meet- 
ings than he had been. He was retiring in his disposition, and 
many young and vigorous workers had come forward, and he 
was willing, like John, " to decrease " — an attainment which 
requires more religious principle than any amount of activity. 
But his labors he never intermitted. He would let no man take 
his crown. 

Perhaps the most important feature of his whole character 
was the prevalence and uniformity of his religious affections — 
his love to God, humble sense of guilt and un worthiness, trust 
in the Redeemer, and hungering and thirsting after righteous- 
ness. His life was a practical commentary on such a treatise 
as " Edwards on the Affections." These inner feelings were 
the root and spring of whatever he wrought for man or God, 
and whatever attainments he iwade as a noble and lovely cha- 
racter. What was best of all, this spirituality was interfused 
with his daily and most secular life, and he showed " how to 
make the most of both worlds " — how to be in this world and 
enjoy its good, and yet not be a worldling. " I have known 
him," says Dr. Franklin Wilson of Baltimore, " for more than 
thirty years. If my memory is not greatly at fault, he was 

30 



3:0 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

present at my baptism in 1838, and from the very first I loved 
and honored him. Since then I have met with many of our 
most worthy and distinguished men from all portions of the 
country, but I have never seen one who made a more favor- 
able impression upon me as a truly Christ-like man, a thor- 
oughly consistent follower of Jesus, than Brother Taylor. He 
nearly always made our house his home when in Baltimore, 
and we were always delighted to welcome him there. He ex- 
hibited that constant union of cheerfulness and dignity, that 
interest and sympathy with all the innocent occupations and 
affairs of this life, blended with and controlled by a perpetual 
regard for nobler things — the progress of Christ's kingdom, the 
precious truths of revelation — so rarely met with, and yet so 
beautiful and so becoming to every Christian." . . . « 

His life, as well as his character, was symmetrical. It was 
built up, from childhood to its close, on one plan. It was per- 
vaded throughout by one spirit. AVhat he was when an old 
man he had been essentially in his early manhood, though there 
was to the last a growth in all that was good. A friend, on 
reading his obituary by Dr. Jeter, said that twenty-five years 
ago the two ministers were laboring together at one of the 
camp-meetings then common; that Taylor, having delivered 
an exhortation in a tent, left it for another part of the ground ; 
and that as he left Jeter pronounced a eulogy upon him, hold- 
ing him up as an example to saints and sinners ; " and," adds 
this friend, " I am struck with the perfect correspondence be- 
tween what Brother Jeter said then and what he says now, 
showing that Brother Taylor has been always the same." 

This is true. At twelve years old he said, with the youthful 
Jesus, "I must be about my Father's business;" and as life 
neared its close his cry was, ",I must work the work of him 
that sent me ; . . . . the night cometh." 

But the moral progress he made during this life only leads 
us to follow him, in our thoughts, to that higher existence upon 
which he has entered, in which all that is evil in the child of 
God will be removed, and all that is good will be brought to 
perfection. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE thirteenth chapter of this volume brings the history 
of the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist 
Convention down to the meeting of the Convention in 1863. 
The chapters immediately preceding the present, in detailing 
the labors of the Corresponding Secretary, incidentally present 
much of the history of the Board after that period. But, for 
the sake of completeness, a few pages will be devoted to a 
formal and connected statement of the operations of the 
Board (especially in heathen lands) from 1863 to 1872 : 

At the Convention at Eusselville in 1866 the Board reported for three 
years, no meeting having been held in 1864 or 1865. From December, 
1862, a committee in Baltimore had acted in the way of corresponding 
with the missionaries and collecting and transmitting funds to them. 
This committee had received about thirteen thousand dollars, of which 
about half came from Maryland and half from Kentucky. From 
April, 1865, to the Convention, the receipts of the Board had been 
mainly from Baltimore, Kentucky, and Missouri. Dr. G. W. Burton, 
returned missionary, had sent generous contributions to the China mis- 
sions while they were cut off from the Board. The missionary periodicals 
suspended by the war had not yet been resumed, and the Board were 
depending on the weekly Baptist papers of the South. 

Canton. Be v. E. H. Graves had married Mrs. Gaillard in 1863, and 
the following year she had died. Mrs. Schilling also had died in 1864, 
and Mr. Schilling had come to this country to bring his two little chil- 
dren. Dr. Graves had been pastor of the churches at Canton and Shiu- 
Hing, and had during 1863 and 1864 baptized at the two places fifteen 
persons, and in 1865 thirteen persons. He was training several native 
assistants. He had commenced another station at Wu-Chau, in a 
province not before occupied, and had stationed Assistant Luk there. 

At Shanghai, Messrs. Yates and Crawford had remained most of the 
time at work, and had largely supported themselves, and now Ml 

351 



352 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

Yates offered to arrange for the support of a colleague till the Board 
could refund it to him. 

Tung-Chau had become a distinct mission, with two stations. Mr. 
Hartwell was here, and reported a few converts. 

Yoruban Mission. At Lagos Mr. Hardin, a valuable missionary, had 
died in 1864. At Abbeokuta the mission had been sustained for five 
years by Mr. Phillips. Several converts had been received, and a 
flourishing school kept up. Mr. and Mrs. Stone were in this country. 
The station at Awyaw had been under the care of Mr. Reid till the 
spring of 1864. He had been for twenty-seven months without seeing 
a white man, had suffered great privations, and had finally been com- 
pelled to return to this country, which he had done at much peril, 
being compelled to make his way through the contending hosts in 
Yoruba. That station and the one at Ogbomishaw had been left in 
charge of native assistants. 

In Liberia the stations had been thrown upon their own resources. 

At the Convention assembled in Memphis in 1867 the Board reported 
as follows : They had ascertained that a debt had been incurred much 
heavier than they had at first supposed. * 

At Canton, Mr. Graves had had eight assistants. One of them (Luk), 
a valuable man, had died. Much itinerant work had been done. The 
out-stations at Shiu-Hing and Wu-Chau had been vigorously main- 
tained, and at the three places twelve had been baptized. In reviewing 
his ten years' work. Dr. Graves reported the baptism of seventy-one 
converts, while there had been about sixty baptized by Messrs. Schil- 
ling and Gaillard. He had also seen the Christian system winning its 
way in the respect and confidence of the people, and the empire thrown 
open to the missionary. 

At Shanghai the native church was supporting a native assistant, but 
coldness and indifference as to the message of salvation prevailed. 
The whole missionary-work had been embarrassed by the course of 
some English missionaries in receiving into their churches men and 
women by the hundred who made no profession of faith in Christ, but 
simply threw aside their idols. The Romanists also had used carnal 
methods to win the people, and on the whole the war of ten years had 
been vastly demoralizing. The missionaries felt this to be a time of 
declension, but they were toiling on, and some little fruit had been 
gathered. 

At Tung-Chau two distinct stations had been maintained, Mr. Hart- 

* It finally proved to be not less than $15,000. Providentially, this know- 
ledge came not at first, when it would have discouraged them, but after the 
South was beginning to recuperate. 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 353 

well being pastor* of the First Church. Mr. Crawford was about to 
organize another church of eight members, having obtained an ex- 
cellent house with conveniences for a chapel and for a dwelling. They 
had also made long journeys, preaching at market-towns on the occa- 
sion of great fairs. Besides, three out-stations (at Hwang-Hien, Pe- 
Ma, and Shin-Tin) had been kept up. Mrs. Hartwell, Mrs. Crawford 
and Mrs. Holmes were laboring among their own sex. A few converts 
had been baptized, and there were some cases of inquiry. Among the 
baptized was a pious Presbyterian deacon, who had become convinced 
that Christ required him to be " buried in baptism." 

Yoruba. The only representative of the Board in Yoruba was Mr. 
Phillips, who was encouraged by a large congregation and more atten- 
tion to the preached word. His church of thirty members seemed 
revived. Messrs. Stone and Beid were anxious to return to their 
field. 

The condition of the treasury had prevented a resumption of the 
Liberian mission. 

During the -year the Board had decided on a mission to Hayti, and 
had appointed Bev. Arthur Waring, a Virginian who had become con- 
verted in that island, and had labored there as a minister very success- 
fully, but a few days after his appointment he suddenly died. 

At the Convention in Baltimore in 1868 the Board reported that the 
Journal had been resumed, and that they had been prevented, by the 
financial depression of the country, from enlargement. 

In Canton a chapel was in course of erection, costing about three 
thousand dollars, of which the Board gave one-half and a member* of 
the Seventh Church, Baltimore, the other half. The triennial exami- 
nations had afforded Dr. Graves an opportunity of reaching, both 
orally and by books, thousands of persons from all parts of the province. 
He had baptized two at the new station, AVu-Chau, and sixteen at the 
other stations, and had now over one hundred native Christians under 
his care. 

Mr. Hartwell had continued pastor of the First Baptist Church, Tung- 
Chau, and, though much interrupted by sickness, had, with his assist- 
ants, kept up the three new out-stations, and had baptized four persons, 
one of these converts being baptized at the out-station Hwang-Hien, a 
station of much promise. Mr. Crawford had baptized five into the fellow- 
ship of the Second Church, constituted the year before. He thought he 
saw signs of a more general movement, and felt sure that the people of 
this province were both more readily affected and a better class of people 
than those of the vicinity of Shanghai. Mrs. Holmes had come to this 

* Hiram Woods, Esq. 
30* X 



354 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

country to bring her sick child and the motherless son of Dr. Graves, 
but she hoped to return to her missionary-work. 

In Yoruba the Abbeokuta mission had been, by a mob, driven back 
on Lagos ; the Abbeokuta church had followed their missionary, and were 
now meeting in Lagos. Mr. Stone had gone out and was at Lagos, assisted 
by Mrs. Plardin ; and Mr. Phillips, after twelve years of missionary-work, 
had been invited by the Board to return to this country to recuperate. 
The resources of the Board had not admitted the expense which would 
be incurred in sending back Mr. Reid. 

To the Convention which assembled at Macon, Georgia, in 1869, the 
Board presented a very encouraging report, both as to their home and 
their foreign work. Many more churches than ever before were con- 
tributing to their treasury, and pastors were more generally interested in 
the operations of the Board. The Home and Foreign Journal had reached 
a regular circulation of four thousand, and at times many more copies 
had been distributed. 

Dr. Graves had continued at Canton, though, in view of declining 
health, he had been invited by the Board to visit this country. He had 
baptized thirteen, and was earnestly seeking to train his churches both 
in Christian doctrine and in Christian activity and benevolence, and 
especially to instruct candidates for the ministry. 

Mr. Yates (Shanghai) reported attentive listeners, nine anxious in- 
quirers, and the baptism of a woman who had lived in his family seven- 
teen years before. But the missionaries in the province of Shan- Tung 
had been specially blessed in their labors. Mr. Crawford could see " a 
great and radical change coming over the public mind." Mr. Hartwell 
declared they were " having something more like a revival of religion 
than he had ever experienced in China before." They had held in 
Tung-Chau a protracted meeting, the room being full almost every night 
for a month. Even in one of the out-stations one would have thought 
in meeting that he was preaching to a congregation of converts, or at 
least of trained church-goers, instead of to a crowd who had never seen 
a Christian missionary before. This state of t'nings had been brought 
about by the labors of the new converts, who had carefully taught their 
neighbors what they had learned. Not less than twenty -five persons had 
been baptized by Messrs. Hartwell and Graves, and others were asking 
for baptism. Among the baptized w^as a Chinese Presbyterian. The 
uneasiness on this subject among the Presbyterian converts had origin- 
ated with themselves, our missionaries not having referred to it for a 
long time. 

Mr. Stone was at Lagos, but laboring under great disadvantage, as that 
was the great centre of Pedobaptist influence, and the Catholics also 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 355 

were making extensive and strenuous endeavors to entrench themselves 
in the regards of the people. These all had abundant means, while the 
lone missionary of the Board had been scantily supplied, and had been 
much hindered by the want of suitable chapel, dwelling, and school 
accommodations. He was, however, hard at work teaching and preach- 
ing, and notwithstanding the unattractive house of worship he had had 
good congregations, and had baptized twelve persons, three of them being 
non-commissioned officers of the troops stationed there, and the others 
interior natives, who had previously heard the gospel from him and his 
associates in the interior. Six excluded persons had been restored. "One 
case among them was rather remarkable." His day-school had " run 
up from three to thirty-five," and was increasing. Mrs. Hardin was 
teaching the girls. Mr. Phillips had been cordially treated in England, 
and was now in this country, much improved in health, and hoping soon 
to return to Africa. The Board also hoped they might be able to send 
out Mr. Keid, and he was anxious to go. 

To the Convention in Louisville in 1870 the Board reported the fol- 
lowing facts : 

The most gratifying success had attended their efforts in securing con- 
tributions. Leaving out of view some extra and outside contributions in 
1868-69, the receipts this year were more than five thousand dollars in 
advance of the preceding year. Deducting the collections of the regular 
agents in Kentucky and Missouri, a large proportion of these receipts 
had come in through the labor of the Corresponding Secretary, who had 
not only freely used his pen in appealing to individuals and churches, 
but had done much laborious agency-work. The Journal had increased 
its circulation from four to ten thousand. The war-debt of the Board 
being now canceled, and prosperity having, in a measure, returned to 
the South, the Board now earnestly urged the reinforcement of their 
various missions, and the establishment of new missions, especially in 
Europe. 

China. — Dr. Graves had continued to care for four churches — viz., two 
at Canton, one at Wu-Chau, and one atShiu-Hing, and had baptized six- 
teen converts. One of the converts felt that he must preach the gospel, 
and had given up a lucrative business to do so. One of the native assist- 
ants had died a triumphant death, on his death-bed writing to the mis- 
sionary, " 1 am in much pain and great danger I have no doubts, 

no fears, no anxiety. I am trusting with my whole heart .... in my 
gracious Lord Jesus for my salvation." Dr. Graves had ordained a na- 
tive preacher* to take the pastorate of one of the Canton churches — the 
first case of the kind in Canton. "Thus the work was beginning to go 

* Wong Mui, baptized in California by J. L. Shuck. 



356 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

beyond the preliminary stage," and the cause in Canton was " set on a 
satisfactory basis," with a good house, and each church with an elder 
over it, according to the apostolical plan. Dr. Graves had left China for 
a temporary sojourn in the United States, to recuperate. 

At Shanghai " a season of special interest " had been enjoyed. Mr. 
Yates had, within a single month, baptized five, and there were others 
awaiting the ordinance. He felt that he had, " after more than twenty- 
one years' labor, reached the Chinese heart." There was "joy in the 
little church, and several of the new members were actively trying to 
persuade their friends to come to church and to become Christians." 
Thus the good work was spreading. Mr. Yates, however, had lost his 
voice, and had been compelled to go to Mantchuria for the winter; but 
he had left the church in charge of Mrs. Yates and a native ordained 
minister, Wong Ping Sang, who had already baptized two hopeful con- 
verts. 

Mrs. Holmes had returned to Tung-Chau, where Messrs. Hartwell and 
Crawford had continued to labor. Mr. Hartwell had baptized nine and 
Mr. Crawford several converts. Besides their labors in Tung-Chau and 
at their regular out-stations, their preaching in houses and in the street", 
something had been done in the way of preparing hymns and a grammar 
for the schools. The female missionaries had got an assistant of their 
own sex, and were diligently prosecuting both their educational and their 
more direct missionary -work. Several interesting and new features had 
appeared — one, the coming of numbers of inquirers from a distance, and 
remaining, at their own expense and at inconvenience, for weeks and 
months to be taught by the missionaries the way of life ; another, the 
First Church at Tung-Chau, had entirely of their own motion and at 
their own expense, opened and furnished a chapel in a neighborhood in 
which some of the converts were living, and when the missionaries or the 
assistants could not meet them on Sabbath, members residing contiguous 
had met for singing and prayer. The administration of the ordinance of 
baptism at one of the out-stations had attracted hundreds of persons from 
the surrounding villages, and had produced a profound and solemn im- 
pression. 

Yoruban Mission. — Mr. Stone had been compelled by prolonged sick- 
ness, culminating in brain-fever, to return again to this country. He had 
baptized twenty during the year, and had left the converts in charge of a 
Wesleyan missionary and an ordained native preacher, and the school in 
the hands of Mrs. Hardin. 

The twenty-sixth annual report of the Board was presented to the 
Convention assembled in St. Louis in 1871. The expectations of the 
Board had been more than realized. Despite unfavorable circumstances, 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 357 

rendering the collection of fiands difficult, a considerable increase had 
been realized, and there was manifestly an increase in the spirit of mis- 
Bions. In deference to the prejudice against the employment of agents, 
and to diminish the incidental expenses, the Secretary had done much 
agency-work, often traveling all night and working all day in soliciting 
funds. 

The mission at Tung-Chau had been maintained with five out-stations, 
four being in the interior, and one (Che-Foo) a seaport. It had been 
bereaved by the death of Mrs. Hartwell, for nearly ten years a devoted 
missionary in Tung-Chau. The work had also been interrupted by the 
massacre of several Komish missionaries at Tient-Sin and the impression 
that a general massacre of foreigners might occur, inducing the mission- 
aries of the Board temporarily to. place themselves under the protection 
the war-ships at Che-Fao. While there they had been usefully em- 
ployed, and after their return, being unmolested, they had resumed their 
labors with a sense of security, and had baptized twenty-two converts, 
of whom several had been pupils of Mrs. Hartwell, and had been led by 
her labors and her death to the Saviour. They had also ordained to the 
full work of the ministry a native preacher whom they knew well and 
implicitly trusted. The missionaries declare that they receive no con- 
verts who do not give good evidence of change of heart, while they main- 
tain strict discipline in the churches. Brother Hartwell was temporarily 
in this country, having come to bring his four motherless children. 

The Shanghai mission had been under the care of Wong Ping Sang, 
the native pastor, and Mrs. Yates. Dr. Yates, having spent some months 
in this country, and rendered valuable service to the Board both by 
giving them information and stirring up the churches, had again re- 
turned to his field. During the year eight converts had been baptized. 
Mr. B. S. Prichard had been appointed to the Shanghai mission, but had 
been prevented by failing health from going out. 

The Canton mission also had been in charge of a native ordained pas- 
tor, Wong Mui. He, with eight native assistants and four Bible-women, 
had cared for the four churches, and had baptized seven converts. Mr. 
E. Z. Simmons, with his wife, had gone out to reinforce this mission, and, 
having settled themselves, had commenced the study of the language. 
Dr. Graves, having spent several months at home, profitably to himself 
and to the cause, was about to spend a few months in laboring among 
the Chinese in California, preparatory to returning to Canton. 

The Yoruban mission had not been resumed, on account of the con- 
tinued hostility of the king and head-men in the interior, and the church 
at Lagos was without special oversight ; but the Board had decide^^ to 
continue their work in Africa, and had committed its superintendence to 
Mr. Phillips. Accordingly, he had visited the coa.st and had made a 



358 LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 

survey. At Sierra Leone he had found the churches which were built up 
mainly by the missionaries of the Board walking in the truth, but need- 
ing assistance. He had also appointed, subject to the approval of the 
Board, eight or ten men, found in Liberia, to labor among the native 
tribes. 

The year had been rendered signal by the establishment of a mission 
in Italy. Dr. W. N. Cote, for some years a resident of France, had been 
appointed as pioneer missionary. After exploration of the field he had 
found the way open to locate in Rome, and make that the centre of his 
operations ; and a church consisting of eighteen baptized believers had 
been constituted there. He himself had baptized twelve converts. He 
was assisted by three native Italians, and urged the appointment of a 
number of native evangelists and colporteurs, feeling sanguine that the 
people in Italy were to a good degree prepared for receiving the gospel. 
Opposition might be expected, but he was now protected by the police 
in distributing God's word even under the shadow of the Vatican. 

At the Convention in Raleigh in May, 1872, the Board, after touching 
references to the decease of its Corresponding Secretary and of E., S. 
Prichard, accepted missionary to China, reported as follows : Rev. A. D. 
Phillips had visited Africa with a view to establish missions among the 
tribes contiguous to Liberia. After inspecting the stations on the coast, 
he had proceeded about one hundred miles to the Beir country, which 
he regarded as a most hopeful field, and in which he had stationed eight 
preachers and teachers. The church at Lagos was progressing, and the 
little band at Abbeokuta was meeting weekly unmolested, though the 
white man was not permitted to enter. 

The Shanghai mission had been maintained by Dr. and Mrs. Yates 
and the native pastor, Wong Ping Sang, and seven had been baptized ; 
but Dr. Yates had been compelled by the loss of his voice again to leave 
his field, and was now in Europe. 

The Canton mission had been maintained by Mr. and Mrs. Simmons 
and the native pastor, Wong Mui, and eight had been baptized. 

In the province of Shan-Tung, Mr. and Mrs. Crawford, Mrs. Holmes, 
and a native ordained pastor had continued to labor, and nineteen had 
been baptized. The Board had authorized the building of two chapels, 
to cost three thousand dollars each. 

At this time Messrs. Graves, Hartwell, and Williams, with their wives, 
and Misses Whilden and Moon, were on their way to China. Mr. Hart- 
well was authorized to establish a new mission in Chi-Nan-Foo, a de- 
partment city, where the great literary examinations are held, and with 
eighty thousand population — a move toward the great capital, Peking. 

The Italian mission had been wonderfully blessed. The Board had 



LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES B. TAYLOR. 359 

now at Rome* one missionary, Dr. Cote, three native evangelists, and 
one colporteur ; and six stations were occupied, at each of which there 
was a Baptist church; the total membership being two hundred and 
seventy-one. 

Resum6 from 1863 to 1872, and present status. 

In China, thirteen missionaries had labored at eleven stations and out- 
stations — viz., Mr. and Mrs. Hartwell, Mr. and Mrs. Graves, Mr. and 
Mrs. Crawford, Mr. and Mrs. Schilling, Mr. and Mrs. Yates, Mr. and 
Mrs. Simmons, and Mrs. Holmes. Of these, two had died and one had 
returned to this country, leaving ten either on the field or temporarily 
absent. Four missionaries had been appointed, but one had been prevented 
by death from going out. Besides, three native pastors had been or- 
dained, and twelve unordained assistants and four Bible-women had 
been employed. A chapel had been erected in Canton. Between two 
hundred and two hundred and fifty converts had been baptized. 

In Yoruba, stations had been kept up for several years at Lagos, 
Abbeokuta, Ogbomishaw and Awyaw. The number baptized cannot be 
stated with accuracy — probably forty. The present status of the African 
mission appears from the reports for 1871 and 1872. 

A mission to Ilayti was determined on in 1867, but abandoned on ac- 
count of the death of the missionary. 

The results and status of the mission to Italy appear from the reports 
for 1871 and 1872. 

Receipts for this period, $144,159, but this is exclusive of what was 
sent out by the Baltimore committee and of collections in Confederate 
currency during that portion of the war embraced in this resum^. 

* At this meeting of the Convention twenty thousand dollars were pledged 
toward building a chapel in Rome. 



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